Last week, numerous women gathered at the General Women’s Union in Abu Dhabi to assist in packing aid for women in Lebanon. The ongoing conflict has had diverse impacts on many individuals.

Dr. Fadia Karam, a dermatologist and mother of five, expressed uncertainty about how much longer her clinic and lab would remain secure amid the turmoil in Lebanon over the past few weeks. Karam, who has been visiting the UAE’s capital for work over the past 25 years, had plans to relocate permanently with her children, aged between 23 and 30, before the crisis escalated. “When the war broke out, I could no longer travel. Everything shut down, including my clinic and lab; I can’t practice my work. As soon as the fighting ceases, I will travel to transfer everything here; the situation in Lebanon is unstable,” she said.

Her daughter, Fadya Awad, founder of IAM Cosmetics, mentioned that while her house was far from the destroyed areas, she was deeply concerned about the safety of her loved ones, living in constant uncertainty. “I am glad we are here now and doing what we can to help our country and people, but I miss all of Lebanon,” she added.

Amal Haamze, a UAE resident, is among those affected by the crisis. “Our houses were destroyed in the August 4 explosion,” she said. “When will this war end? I don’t know.” Haamze has accompanied her mother on work visits to Abu Dhabi since childhood and has been a resident for years. She considers the capital her second home, “and each time the UAE supports Lebanon during crises, I feel it more and more.” “I feel grateful that even the items we are packing are of the best quality,” she said.

Some are eagerly anticipating the end of the war to return to their homeland. Jumana Sareiddine, who was visiting her daughters in the UAE when the unrest began, said, “I can’t wait for the war to be over to return to my friends and family. I am constantly following the news and calling my loved ones and praying for them; I have been keen on volunteering for all aid events so I can support them anyway I can.”

Abdulaziz Al Zaidi, head of projects at the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, mentioned that around 5,000 packages containing essential women’s products were to be distributed across affected areas. “This initiative has brought together women from all nationalities in aid for their fellow women in Lebanon,” he said.

The campaign, held at the Women’s Union headquarters on Wednesday, was under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF).

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