WATCH: UAE president, grandson meet volunteers packing relief for Turkey, Syria earthquake victims – News

Sheikh Mohammed interacts with volunteers, hugs some youths and poses for photos

For more than three weeks, thousands of volunteers across the UAE have been packing relief supplies for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. On Sunday, they got encouragement from the top: the president.

Photos released by the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) show President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visiting Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Stadium from 10 a.m. , Hundreds of volunteers are packing essentials for earthquake victims.

The President inspected the youngest volunteers like a true father, even getting on his knees to lovingly adjust the young volunteers’ ERC jackets.

His descendants accompanied him to the arena, where thousands of aid kits were packed over a period of more than six hours. The young royals have also been involved in packing food and other essentials for Turks and Syrians who are trying to rebuild their lives a month after the devastating earthquake.

Sheikh Mohammed appeared at the venue and actively interacted with the volunteers. ERC officials briefed him on the progress of their Bridge for Good campaign, as part of which volunteers are mobilizing relief supplies for victims.

Last month’s quake devastated cities and killed more than 51,000 people in parts of Turkey and Syria. Survivors were housed in temporary shelters such as tents and shipping containers.

UAE is one of them first country to help to both countries. On 15 February, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed ordered the provision of Additional $50 million As relief aid to Syria, $20 million was allocated for humanitarian projects in response to a United Nations (UN) emergency appeal. He had previously directed $50 million each for Syria and Turkey.

In addition to sending hundreds of Flight loaded with thousands of tons of food, medical supplies and other necessities, the country built a state-of-the-art field hospital in the quake-hit zone. Its search and rescue teams got people out after more than 100 hours trapped under the rubble. The country is also flying seriously injured patients to hospitals in the UAE so they can receive the best possible treatment.

As of March 2, the UAE has sent 134 cargo planes to Syria, transporting 4,413 tons of supplies. The country has also provided substantial aid to Turkey.

as part of “Good Bridge”, thousands of volunteers have been collecting and packing vital care packages across the UAE for victims of the devastating earthquake. They assemble, sort and pack vital supplies including blankets, sheets, powdered tea, toothpaste, brushes, soap, shampoo, canned food, rice and cooking oil. UAE residents can donate to the campaign through the ERC website.