Watch: H.H. Sheikh Mohammed visits 'Bridges of Giving' campaign centre

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday visited the Bridges of Giving campaign centre at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

He was accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; and his grandchildren.

Sheikh Mohammed toured the facility and was briefed on the roles and responsibilities of volunteer teams packing aid parcels to support those affected by the recent earthquakes in Syria and Turkey.

"The UAE is always keen to extend a helping hand to people in need, consolidating human fraternity and solidarity," said His Highness.

Sheikh Mohamed praised the community’s efforts to send relief to the people of Syria and Turkey, and the quick response of volunteers to the UAE’s call to help those affected.

He said that more than 2,000 volunteers participated today, including volunteers from various schools and universities, and employees of private and public sectors among others.

"The goal is to send a message of hope and solidarity to all our brothers and sisters in Syria and Turkey," His Highness said.

Sheikh Mohammed also signed a letter to those affected by the earthquake, in which he expressed his support for them and urged them to stay optimistic.

Video: @HHShkMohd visits the 'Bridges of Giving' campaign at the #Dubai World Trade Centre. The campaign has attracted 2,000 volunteers who are packing relief supplies for Turkey and Syria. pic.twitter.com/vU3mkTcvjq

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 13, 2023

"نحن معكم .. وسنكون دوماً إلى جانبكم...
لكم منا كل الدعم والتقدير.. تمسكوا بالأمل والتفاؤل"

رسالة بقلم محمد بن راشد خلال زيارته لمركز حملة "جسور الخير" لدعم المتضررين من الزلزال في سوريا وتركيا pic.twitter.com/LeDeZr9h74

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 13, 2023

Sheikh Mohammed’s grandchildren assisted volunteers in gathering and packing relief supplies, including food, essential personal care items, clothing, blankets, and toys.

"The campaign is an expansion of the UAE’s efforts to institutionalise humanitarian aid, help vulnerable communities around the world, and establish the values of tolerance, respect and human fraternity," said Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives (MBRGI).

Al Gergawi reiterated MBRGI’s commitment to contribute to the Bridges of Giving campaign, in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent.

Volunteers at the facility expressed their gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed for his visit, which motivated them to continue their efforts to alleviate the hardships of their brothers and sisters affected by the earthquake.

The Bridges of Giving campaign, which seeks to extend a helping hand and hope to the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Syria and Turkiye, has completed its first month.

At the start of the campaign, the Volunteers platform in the UAE called for 500 volunteers to prepare the relief packages.

Within the first few days, 1,200 volunteers signed up, reaffirming the values of giving instilled in the UAE community.

The campaign continues nationwide with the support of relief organisations, humanitarian and charity associations, private sector businesses and government entities.

Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) said that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s visit to the campaign facility represents the leadership’s support for humanitarian workers and volunteers.

.@HHShkMohd visits the 'Bridges of Giving' campaign at the #Dubai World Trade Centre. The campaign has attracted 2,000 volunteers who are packing relief supplies for Turkey and Syria. pic.twitter.com/gBjWsTjoX1

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 13, 2023