ABU DHABI: The ‘UAE Stands with Lebanon’ campaign, kicking off tomorrow, Tuesday 8th October, is yet another testament to the UAE’s unwavering support for Lebanon.
Both the leadership and people of the UAE have consistently stood by Lebanon, particularly during times of crisis over the past 50 years.
The campaign, initiated by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, running until 21st October and involving the community, institutions, and both government and private entities, embodies the UAE’s determination to harness all its capabilities and provide whatever is necessary to support our Lebanese brothers, assist them, and stand with them in the face of current challenges and difficulties.
In light of this campaign, the UAE has sent six planes carrying approximately 205 tonnes of medical, food, and relief supplies, as well as shelter equipment, to contribute to alleviating the severe humanitarian and health impacts, in cooperation with international partners.
President His Highness Shei
kh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had ordered on September 30th the provision of an urgent relief aid package worth US$100 million to the brotherly Lebanese people.
His Highness directed today, Monday, the dispatch of an additional six flights to transport humanitarian aid to Lebanon, along with providing an urgent relief aid package worth US$30 million for the Lebanese displaced to the Syrian Arab Republic.
History records the UAE’s honourable stances since 1974 in supporting the brotherly Lebanese people. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, granted Lebanon a sum of US$150 million to finance the Litani project.
Following the Lebanese Civil War in 1990, the UAE initiated numerous projects aimed at fostering civil peace, reconstruction, and sustainable development in Lebanon. It provided grants and loans to fund infrastructure, education, health, and other sectors.
After the liberation of southern Lebanon in 2000, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to Lebanon’s reconstruction by launching a US$50 milli
on demining project.
In January 2003, the UAE subscribed to US$300 million in treasury bonds to support the Lebanese treasury in fulfilment of the decisions of the “Paris-2″ conference, and signed a special agreement for this purpose.
Emirati project
In 2006, the UAE affirmed its position as one of Lebanon’s primary supporters, aiming to ensure its security, stability, and territorial integrity. To this end, the UAE launched the ‘UAE Programme for Supporting and Reconstruction of Lebanon’ in September of the same year. This initiative spared no effort in addressing the devastating effects of the war on Lebanon.
As part of this project, the UAE established an air bridge, a sea route, and a direct land route to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to those affected. This aid included food, medicine, medical services, and the transfer of wounded individuals to Emirati hospitals.
Additionally, the UAE undertook reconstruction efforts, rehabilitating schools, hospitals, and fishing ports damaged by the war, and la
unched an initiative to clear landmines and cluster bombs from southern Lebanon.
COVID Pandemic
The UAE was among the first countries to support the Lebanese people during the COVID-19 pandemic. In August 2020, the UAE announced the provision of urgent medical aid to Lebanon, including 12 tonnes of testing equipment and medical supplies to support medical staff.
Additionally, the UAE established the ‘Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Emirati-Lebanese Hospital Centre for the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients”.
In September 2020, an Emirati Red Crescent ship arrived in Beirut carrying 2,400 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies, and protective equipment.
Port of Beirut
The UAE swiftly responded to one of Lebanon’s most significant humanitarian crises following the devastating Beirut port explosion on 4th August 2020. The blast resulted in thousands of casualties and widespread destruction. Within hours, the UAE announced the provision of urgent humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and e
ssential materials, which were quickly transported to Beirut via multiple flights.
Furthermore, the UAE launched a national humanitarian initiative called “Emiratis Volunteer” under the slogan “From the UAE and for Lebanon.” This campaign encouraged citizens and residents to volunteer and provide support to the Lebanese people.
Source: Emirates News Agency
