Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Following the devastating attack that killed 45 Emirati servicemen and left at least 60 wounded in Yemen, residents across Abu Dhabi and Dubai on Saturday came together to donate blood for the injured soldiers.
Blood collection centres were set up at four locations in the capital. Once emergency appeals were sent on social media informing residents where to donate blood, large numbers of people immediately arrived at the locations.
“I came to donate my blood because my brother is fighting in Yemen and so is my brother-in-law. My brother was supposed to return home last month, but his stay in Yemen was extended, but thankfully my brother-in-law came back safely,” said Mohammad Beloushi, an Emirati donating blood outside Al Wahda Mall.
Ali Husni, another Emirati donor, said: “A campaign like this elevates the national spirit and brings us together, making us stronger. I came to help the soldiers because they deserve it for all they are doing for our country.”
Abdullah Al Marzouqi, said he had no hesitation to help once he found out about the emergency appeal, “It’s the least we can do after all they have done for us and our nation. I am proud to help,” he said.
Nasser Faisal from Yemen said he is donating blood because of the UAE’s commitment to helping his country. “I found out about the blood donations through Twitter. The UAE has given her sons to protect Yemen, so this is the minimum I can do to pay them back.”
Mohsin Abdullah, an Emirati, found out about the blood donations on Facebook, and saw it as a religious duty to assist. “I don’t have brothers in the military, but they are my brothers in Islam so I want to donate my blood for them. They need our help right now, and we are answering the call,” he said.
His friend, Abdullah Al Abeedi, said: “The situation is extremely sorrowful. This is the best I can do in light of the tragic news, I hope it can help, and that the wounded soldiers are brought home safely.”
Ahmad Samir, an Egyptian, said he was happy to see so many people coming together to help. “The turnout is admirable. It’s an unfortunate situation overall that young men have to lose their lives, I’m sure that they must have all had dreams and aspirations. I encourage everyone to do whatever they can to help with the situation, we have to all come together.”
In Dubai, there were long queues of young Emiratis at the Blood Donation Centre, which opened from 9am to 2pm despite it being a holiday.
الآن سكان مدينة #العين من مواطنين ومقيمين يتوافدون على بنك الدم للتبرع بالدم استجابة لنداء الوطن كفو وبيض الله ويوهكم pic.twitter.com/yk7dCWeunW— محمد مطر الشامسي (@mmalshamsi) September 4, 2015
According to the Dubai Health Authority, approximately 300 units of blood were collected centre’s headquarters in the Latifa Hospital premises.
An additional 100 units was collected at the Dubai Marine Club and the Dubai Police headquarters that set up mobile blood donation camps on their premises.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health said there is enough supply in blood banks in the country.
Dr Laila Al Shaer, director of the Dubai Blood Donation Centre, thanked people who donated blood. She reassured everyone that Dubai had enough stock of blood, but people should not limit themselves to just one day, but volunteer throughout the year as blood has a shelf life of 45 days.
“Individuals need to register with us, especially those who have rare blood groups so that when the need arises we can contact them for donation,” she said.
Emaratis and residents crowd blood banks for donations to our armed troops in Yemen #٤٥_شهيد_اماراتي pic.twitter.com/ziUL9etxJ8— عظم الله أجرك يا وطن (@EnG_Khadiija) September 4, 2015
People who could not donate on Saturday can donate until Thursday at the centre from 7am to 7pm.
