RTA humanitarian initiatives benefit 29 million in 2024

Humanitarian initiatives by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have benefitted around 29 million and 224,000 people in 2024, at the local and international levels, respectively, the Emirates News Agency said on Thursday.

The initiatives included supporting orphans, needy families and people of determination within the country, in addition to providing humanitarian and relief aid to those in need outside the UAE in response to international events.

The Executive Director of the Administrative Support Services Sector at the Authority, Abdullah Yousef Al Ali, stressed the importance of promoting the values ​​of social solidarity and community responsibility, pointing to the role of joint initiatives with various entities and institutions in achieving the vision of the wise leadership to consolidate the spirit of cooperation and sustainable giving.

He added that the Authority continues to consolidate institutional and humanitarian values ​​and implement strategic directions in conjunction with the announcement of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, to designate 2025 as the “Year of the Community” under the slogan “Hand in Hand”, as it includes building a cohesive and prosperous society.

He pointed out that the Authority’s initiatives witnessed a number of distinguished events and activities, including participation in the “Mother’s Endowment” campaign launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, where the number of beneficiaries reached about 29 million people, and support for those affected by the depressions, where the Authority implemented the initiative to distribute meals in metro stations during the Al Hadeer depression, and 1,800 people benefited from it in the first phase, and the number increased to 3,300 after extending the campaign.

Regarding its charitable initiatives, the Authority participated in the “Emirates with You, Lebanon” campaign in cooperation with the Emirates Red Crescent, in addition to supporting the “Water Supply” campaign and activities to support the Dubai International Holy Quran Competition by providing transportation for participants.

The Authority launched Ramadan initiatives such as “The Far Gets Closer” in cooperation with Keolis MHI to provide free calling service at metro stations, and the “Wasilah Khair” initiative, which supported around 8,000 bus and truck drivers and workers in the transportation sector, in addition to distributing Ramadan supplies to 2,540 beneficiaries, and the “Iftar Saem” initiative with Beit Al Khair Society, which benefited 60,000 people.

The Authority focused on initiatives that sponsor children and the elderly, as the “Eid Clothing” initiative provided new clothes for children in cooperation with the Rashid Center for People of Determination and the Emirates Red Crescent. Eid money was also distributed to students of private schools and recreational trips were organized for children with cancer, in addition to organising a special trip for senior citizens on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

The Authority organised several cultural events, most notably educational sessions during the UAE Reading Month, which benefited 5,000 employees and their family members, and supported the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature by providing transportation for the festival’s guests.

The Authority participated in illuminating the UAE’s landmarks and designing special shows on the occasion of the 53rd Union Day, commemorating Martyrs’ Day and Flag Day, in addition to supporting the “Zayed and Rashid” campaign to enhance the historical legacy, and participating in the activities of the International Day of Older Persons, International Children’s Day, International Arabic Language Day and Workers’ Day.

The Authority also paid special attention to people of determination by supporting the Noor Race to integrate them into society, which benefited 4,000 people, providing financial support for the activities of the Summer Club for People of Determination at the Dubai Club, in addition to supporting the Emirati champion Suham Al Rashidi and organizing educational workshops on sign language and culinary arts, and participating in the “Expo International for People of Determination 2024” to showcase the latest technologies and services dedicated to them.