Abu Dhabi: A number of wounded and sick Iraqi civilians have been flown to the UAE to receive medical treatment.
The move comes as per the orders of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, emphasising the bond between the people of the UAE and Iraq that expands to humanitarian efforts exerted by the UAE in light of the worsening situation in Iraq.
The move aims to alleviate the suffering of the Iraqi people. Many of the civilians who have been flown in are suffering from partial disability, amputations, bone marrow failure or deformities due to current events in Iraq.
The UAE leadership is monitoring the situation in Iraq with great concern due to its tragic consequences on the people of Iraq, who have suffered greatly from crises and conflicts. The civilians were flown in from Arbil International Airport and arrived in the UAE on Wednesday at Al Bateen Airport. Upon their arrival, they were received by officials from various health authorities in the UAE, as well as Emirates Red Crescent volunteers who gave flowers to the civilians. A number of ambulances equipped with advanced equipment were also at the airport to receive the patients.
Hospitals in the UAE have made all necessary preparations to receive the Iraqi civilians and have set up committees to supervise and follow up the treatment process, as well as to interact with the patients and those accompanying them to ensure they are comfortable during their stay in the UAE.
The Iraqi patients hailed the UAE leadership and people’s stance towards the people of Iraq for this humanitarian gesture, which is the norm from Shaikh Khalifa and people of the UAE. They extended their heartfelt wishes for the well-being of Shaikh Khalifa and the UAE, and security and stability for the UAE.
Greatly appreciated
Jamal Abdul Nasser, a 17-year-old Iraqi from Al Duluiya, suffering from a severe skull injury, said that the Emirati initiative to host Iraqis during such critical times is not unprecedented, and pointed out that the brotherly stand taken by the UAE is greatly appreciated and respected by the people of Iraq, particularly during times of war.
Malak Majid, a 14 year old from the Diyali province, extended her thanks and gratitude to Shaikh Khalifa for his grant and treatment in the UAE. Malak’s father also thanked Shaikh Khalifa for his initiative to treat Iraqi civilians and provide them with the required medical care.
Ahmad Esmail Khalil, a 26 year old from Diyali province who suffered a severe head injury due to a car bomb in his village, said that mines and car bombs are widespread in many Iraqi cities, leading to many deaths and injuries among civilians.
