UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Chairman of the Supreme National Committee for Volunteerism during Crises, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, commended the efforts and spirit of the Gulf nation in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Sheikh Abdullah’s remarks came after the Committee won Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences. He highlighted UAE’s humanitarian values which the country displayed in attaining “successes in confronting crises”. He added that the award was a testament to “the Emirati society's ability to turn challenges into opportunities.”

He said, "This international award is a significant achievement adding one more feather to the UAE's cap and crowns the efforts of every volunteer who's sincerely performed -and still- his and her tasks in confronting the repercussions of the COVID-19."

Talking about the committee, which was formed few months ago, he said, "we were confident that cohesion and integration between all segments of society is our path toward the success we have already achieved. Our volunteers, from Emiratis and residents, have embodied an epic of human giving. We sincerely salute every and each one of them and dedicate to them this prestigious award in acknowledgement of their colossal efforts, and to further motivate them to continue their march of giving for the sake of humanity at large."

UAE leader was happy to acknowledge the success of the volunteering drive, which he felt represented the very core of UAE and aligned with “the vision of country’s late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The country’s founding father always promoted volunteering as a quintessential element of Emirati value among both UAE citizens and residents. Remembering Sheikh Zayed’s mission for the nation, Sheikh Abdullah said, “Our wise leadership has ensured volunteering is a way of life in our society, and highly appreciates giving in times of distress."

He also paid respect to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, by citing his statement, which said, "if nations boast about their people and residents, we in the UAE take pride in our citizens and residents living on our soil. We are honoured to serve them and they are our responsibility."

Sheikh Abdullah also expressed his gratitude towards all the volunteers and encouraged them to continue their noble efforts, emphasising that "we are all proud of their noble deeds and always reaffirm the fact our house is united i.e. "Al Bait Metwahid"; we all are the people of this nation.”

WAM