Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) has called on the public to donate blood with the aim of saving the lives of people in need. The UAE's largest healthcare network is also reminding citizens and residents that anyone infected with COVID-19 can safely donate blood 10 days after a positive result if asymptomatic. Symptomatic individuals can donate blood 10 days after their symptoms fade. Vaccinated people against COVID-19 can also donate blood to participate in the safety drive.

Dr Marwan Al Kaabi, acting group CEO at SEHA, affirmed that blood donation is a noble humanitarian act, supporting the UAE's spirit of giving back. He underlined that a healthy individual can donate blood every 56 days. On behalf of SEHA, he further extended gratitude towards all individuals who selflessly donated blood during the pandemic to help meet the needs of hospitals and patients.

"From the support that the blood bank receives from donors, we will together protect the health and safety of patients and make a substantial impact on their journey towards recovery," he added.

Last year, Abu Dhabi Blood Banks Services (ADBBS), the only provider of blood transfusion services in the emirate, helped in saving the lives of thousands of patients in need of critical and emergency health care. ADBBS has affirmed its commitment to providing adequate and safe supply of blood to all public and private hospitals across Abu Dhabi and other emirates across the UAE.

Speaking about the importance of donating blood for patients, Dr Huda Al Shamsi, director of Blood Bank Services in Abu Dhabi, stressed the reliance on regular blood donations from the UAE community to keep the blood banks filled with necessary stock to save the lives of patients who constantly need blood transfusions, including those with thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia.

Here are the opening times for ADBBS:

· Abu Dhabi Blood Bank: Sunday to Friday from 7am until 10pm (closed on Saturday)

· Al Ain Blood Bank: Monday to Friday from 7am until 9pm, Sunday from 9am until 6pm (closed on Saturday)

· Al Dhafra Blood Bank: Monday to Friday from 7am until 4pm (closed Saturday and Sunday)