Date: 28 November 2024
As part of the “UAE Stands with Lebanon” campaign, aimed at supporting the Lebanese people, two planes carrying 80 tons of humanitarian aid arrived at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut. This aid, a generous contribution from Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation,” Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), is focused on providing critical support to Lebanese women enduring dire circumstances.
The planes were welcomed at the airport by Dr. Nasser Yassin, Minister of Environment and Head of the Government Emergency Committee; General Mohamed Kheir, Secretary-General of the Higher Relief Commission; Mrs. Bahia Hariri, President of the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development; Mr. Mark Madkour, Legal Advisor at the UAE Embassy in Lebanon; Dr. Rubina Abu Zaynab, Coordinator of the Joint Committee for Monitoring the Implementation and Distribution of UAE Aid; along with a delegation of Lebanese and Emirati business leaders who accompanied the aid.
Minister Yassin’s Statement
Minister Yassin expressed his gratitude to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, stating, “We are deeply grateful to Sheikha Fatima for this thoughtful gesture towards the displaced women of Lebanon, who are in desperate need of such support, especially during these challenging times. This humanitarian effort is part of the ongoing UAE aid through both air and sea bridges, which began with the first shipments. These shipments are meeting urgent and essential needs in Lebanon, including food, relief supplies, and medicine. This initiative, specifically aimed at Lebanese women, is arriving at a critical time, and we greatly appreciate the UAE’s ongoing commitment. We also extend our thanks to all the Arab nations that stand with Lebanon and its displaced population. Together, we will continue to distribute this aid with the help of local authorities and operations rooms.”
Mrs. Hariri’s Remarks
Mrs. Bahia Hariri conveyed her appreciation for the initiative, saying, “We thank Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, ‘Mother of the Nation,’ and the mother of all humanitarian efforts, for this generous gesture. This is not the first time that Her Highness has extended her support to Lebanese women during difficult times. With this act, she helps heal wounds, ease pain, and relieve the suffering of many women in Lebanon, who have lost fathers, brothers, husbands, and children, and are bearing the heavy burdens of war and displacement while striving to protect their families. This gesture is greatly appreciated by all Lebanese, particularly by Lebanese women, as it strengthens their resilience and perseverance in the face of war and displacement. By standing with Lebanese women, Sheikha Fatima is standing with all Lebanese families and the entire Lebanese nation. We also extend our gratitude to the UAE, which has consistently supported Lebanon during difficult times. This support continues through air and sea bridges, and we are confident that these initiatives will make a meaningful difference for the Lebanese people. We also thank the Government Emergency Committee for their remarkable efforts in ensuring that aid reaches those in need, with transparency and fairness. May God protect our beloved Lebanon and may the bond of solidarity with our Arab and international partners remain strong as we navigate these trying times.”
Mr. Murad’s Statement
Mr. Nabil Murad, a Lebanese businessman based in the UAE, who was part of the delegation accompanying the aid, remarked, “Following the war and the massive displacement it caused, the UAE leadership and people swiftly stepped in to support our Lebanese brothers and sisters through the ‘UAE Stands with Lebanon’ initiative, establishing an open air and sea bridge for aid.
Today, the aid from Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, ‘Mother of the Nation,’ is specifically focused on displaced women who are suffering due to the war. The aid includes food, blankets, clothing, and medicines. We are deeply grateful to the UAE for its immense support, which is neither new nor surprising, as the UAE has always stood by Lebanon.”
Aid Package
Since the launch of the “UAE Stands with Lebanon” campaign, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has provided urgent humanitarian aid to Lebanon valued at 100 million USD. This aid, which has arrived via both air and sea bridges, is being distributed across various Lebanese governorates to address critical needs.
