Abu dhabi: Under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), the ERC has initiated its annual winter aid campaign. This campaign aims to support 1,856,324 individuals in 24 countries, with an estimated budget of AED37,126,485, to assist communities enduring severe winter conditions.
According to Emirates News Agency, more than AED27 million has been allocated specifically to aid 1,350,000 people in Gaza, reinforcing the UAE's prominent humanitarian role and ongoing support for the Palestinian community. The campaign is set to provide winter clothing, blankets, heating supplies, food and hygiene parcels, children's essentials, and shelter materials. To ensure swift and effective distribution, aid will be channeled through UAE embassies and Emirates Red Crescent offices abroad.
Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the ERC, emphasized that the annual campaign enhances the organization's response to vulnerable groups affected by harsh winter weather. He added that the initiative mirrors the UAE's enduring humanitarian approach under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and under the supervision of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Al Mazrouei pointed out the significance of this year's campaign due to escalating global crises and increasing humanitarian needs, which have led to an expansion of the beneficiary base to address worsening conditions in several regions. He highlighted that a considerable portion of support is directed to Gaza, underscoring the UAE's continuous humanitarian and development efforts.
Al Mazrouei expressed gratitude towards Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 for its collaboration, along with all local and international partners supporting the campaign. Mohammed Al Shareef, spokesperson for Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, acknowledged the Emirates Red Crescent as a crucial partner in delivering humanitarian aid, emphasizing the UAE's values of solidarity and generosity. He highlighted the operation's comprehensive relief efforts, which encompass air, land, and sea deliveries, field humanitarian programs, and the establishment of field hospitals to assist vulnerable groups. Al Shareef noted that the ERC continues to play a central role in providing essential supplies, facilitating transport, and overseeing distribution, making the joint efforts a model of coordinated humanitarian action.