Today's Edition
HUDA AL TANIJI (ABU DHABI)
Emirates Humanitarian City (EHC) in Abu Dhabi is providing comprehensive services and exceptional care to Palestinians evacuated from Gaza.
Established to provide support and medical care to evacuees from crisis and conflict zones around the world, EHC hosts events presented by experts and specialised teams affiliated with authorities and institutions, upholding its continuous approach in providing humanitarian support.
EHC Spokesperson Mubarak Falah Al-Qahtani said that the city hosts an array of humanitarian activities, including hosting Iftar for Palestinians from Gaza.
"We are happy to have them with us and we wish them health and wellbeing in their second home, the UAE," Al-Qahtani added.
It also organises events for various institutions such as the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, hosting sports activities and workshops offering psychological support, he noted.
Educational Workshops
Wafa Al Ali, Acting Director of the Family Development Department at the Family Development Foundation (FDF), said: "We are working to provide a number of workshops and sessions including psychological first aid."
"This is carried out through bringing together a group of people who share similar interests, needs, and problems, and helping them gain a sense of hope by realizing that there are others who are suffering from the same problems and going through the same experiences and difficulties," she added.
Among the workshops offered during the holy month of Ramadan by the FDF is "Inspiring Hope" and a counselling programme titled "Renew Hope". The overall goal of these programmes is to help participants gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to renew their hope and overcome life's challenges, she added.
The skills covered in the sessions include self-awareness, controlling negative thoughts, problem-solving, and dealing with stress and anxiety, according to Al Ali.
The FDF is also hosting a session titled "Positive Thinking," which aims to help participants develop positive attitudes by training them to generate positive thoughts.
Another session titled "Unlimited Games" offers a variety of games suitable for all ages, promoting healthy competition and teamwork among participants.
As for the workshop titled "Be Responsible" it introduces the concept of personal and social responsibility and raises the awareness of participants of self-discipline and commitment to achieving goals, among other vital personal skills.
Alleviating Suffering
Dr. Khuloud Al-Dhalei, leader of the medical team at the EHC, said: "We are part of the medical team that provides the highest standards of medical and therapeutic services to our brothers from the Gaza Strip, hosted by the UAE through EHC. We are committed to providing them with the necessary healthcare for various health conditions and injuries."
She also noted that EHC offers educational and awareness workshops and lectures on various health topics. "These workshops and lectures aim to raise the quality of life for the residents of the EHC," she added.
Zainab Khazandar, who is accompanying her mother in EHC as part of the first group of people to arrive from the Gaza Strip, said: "We experienced a special Ramadan atmosphere in the Humanitarian City. The entire place was decorated for the people of the Gaza Strip and a collective Iftar was held, highlighting solidarity between people. This gesture strengthens relations between those present and alleviates their suffering from the events taking place in the Strip."
She expressed her gratitude to the UAE for all its efforts in hosting Palestinians and providing integrated care services.
Abdullah Shahada from the Gaza Strip said: "May God bless the Emirates and protect President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who provided exceptional services to the people of Gaza. The UAE is a country of generosity and goodness, and words of thanks and gratitude fall short of expressing our appreciation."
Nuaima Mohammed from Gaza expressed her heartfelt thanks to the UAE for hosting Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, including the elderly, women and children and patients.
She prayed to God Almighty to protect the country under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and its people who have respected the Palestinian people and provided them with various means of decent living after months of suffering due to the situation in Gaza.
Umm Mohammed, a resident of the Gaza Strip, expressed her appreciation for the noble stance of the UAE under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State.
"We appreciate the UAE's support for our Palestinian brothers and sisters," Umm Mohammed said. "The UAE has stood by our side during difficult times, and we are grateful for their generosity."
