KT Photos: Muhammad Sajjad

Thousands of UAE residents gathered at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City on Saturday morning to assemble aid kits for those affected by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon. Many residents started their journey as early as 6am to arrive at the event, which commenced at 9am. Some brought items to donate, which were collected on-site, while others opted to contribute financially to registered charities present at the event.

According to officials, an unexpectedly large number of volunteers showed up to support the initiative. “The hall has a capacity of 1,000 people, which is the number we anticipated,” said Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, CEO and Vice Chairman of Dubai Cares. “However, we already have 2,500 volunteers, and we expect this number to rise to 3,500 or 4,500 by the end of the session. We had to quickly adjust our strategy to accommodate as many people as possible. The packing sessions were reduced to about 40 minutes each.”

Dr. Al Gurg noted that the 10,000 boxes packed by the volunteers were just a part of the aid being sent to Lebanon. “We will provide them with tents, drinking water, food supplies, and hygiene kits. Additionally, we will arrange for proper instructors to offer psychosocial support.”

Indian expat Nashwa Rafeeque attended the event with her husband and 5-month-old son Zayed. “We have participated in previous packing events for Gaza and Pakistan,” she said. “This cause is very close to our hearts, and we are glad we can contribute in any way we can. It’s also an important lesson for our son.”

The couple was joined by Nashwa’s colleagues, including Lebanese expat Alain Francis, Georgian national Givi Mkhitaryan, and Indonesian expat Tara Sari. A group of Bangladeshi expats, including Bulbuli, Sagor, Anni, and Shapla, arrived with eight family members, including 5-year-old Zainab. They left their homes in Deira at 6am to collect the group of volunteers and head to Expo City. “We wanted to do our part to help Lebanon, as we know they are suffering,” said Sagor. “This is the only way we could help, and we wanted to do it.”

For many Lebanese expats, the event was a way to support their homeland and loved ones. Sarah, who has lived in the UAE for over 15 years, attended with her children and a group of friends. “We are so proud that the UAE is doing this,” she said. “This is the only way we can help our people back home.” Sarah’s husband’s family, who live in the south of Lebanon, had to leave their homes in October last year. “His village is on the border and has been completely destroyed,” she said. “That’s why it was important for me to bring my children to this event and contribute in any way we could.”

Her 8-year-old son Hamza packed several towels into the boxes. “I hope it helps the people who receive them,” he said. “I know many people are suffering.” The family, who usually visits Lebanon annually, was only able to spend a short time in the country this year due to the volatile situation.

Volunteers worked at over 10 stations, packing various items such as diapers, baby food, soap, biscuits, and personal hygiene products into boxes marked with the phrase ‘UAE stands with Lebanon.’ These boxes will be shipped to Lebanon as part of the emergency aid provided by the UAE.

Volunteers Tima and Mahmood left their homes at 7.30am to arrive early at the packing site. For these Lebanese expats, the event was a way to support their home country. “My family lives in the south of Lebanon and had to move out of their homes due to the bombing,” said Tima. “I’m thankful they are safe. Right now, we are helping to pack these boxes because this is one way we can help. We are putting three blankets per box, which we hope will keep them warm.”

As the first volunteer batches left the venue at 11am, dozens more continued to arrive to lend a hand. Some wore T-shirts supporting Lebanon, while a couple of kids had shawls in national colors draped around their necks, and one woman had the Lebanese flag painted on her right cheek.

Dr. Al Gurg emphasized the importance of this event for the UAE. “The UAE has always been a leading country in first emergency response,” he said. “Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has instructed the entire community to work together to support the Lebanese people affected by this crisis. It is crucial to unite all nationalities and religions to show how the UAE community is helping.”

A similar event is scheduled in Abu Dhabi on Sunday at the cruise terminal. Dr. Al Gurg mentioned that similar packing events will be held in the coming weeks.

(With inputs from Karen Ann Monsy)