Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) is performing a vital role in promoting development and rebuilding local infrastructure in Socotra, Yemen, through implementing a range of vital development, health, education, housing and infrastructure projects.
The ERC recently launched the first phase of these projects, which was welcomed by local officials and residents, who thanked the UAE for its development and humanitarian initiatives.
The ERC began implementing development projects after the consecutive storms that recently hit Socotra, as per the directives of the wise leadership and the monitoring of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the ERC.
These projects include Shaikh Zayed City, which provides 356 houses and health, education and services facilities that will benefit hundreds of affected families, as well as the construction and restoration of 42 school classes in 14 schools, the provision of school supplies, including laptops for students, the construction of a nursery, the restoration of 44 mosques, the launch of a 75-kilometre water network, the creation of a sea barrier to protect the fishing port in Haidibu, and the provision of 100 boats for local fishermen.
The ERC issued a report that listed its projects, which include the creation of an air bridge to Socotra to provide over 7,000 food parcels to local people.
The ERC also considered the need for entertainment and established two parks and two football pitches.
It also supported the stability of local youth, by holding two group weddings. The first saw the marriage of 20 couples while the second, which was held in April, saw the marriage of 200 couples.
The ERC stressed that the UAE is a leading country in responding to Socotra's humanitarian needs after its natural disasters and storms, and has rescued local residents, through its humanitarian arm, the ERC.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, ERC, said that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is playing a pivotal role in supporting the development and reconstruction operations the Yemeni Socotra.
The initiatives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, reinforced the UAE's strong response to the situation in the Socotra, from strictly humanitarian perspective without taking into account any other considerations or self-interest, Shaikh Hamdan added.
He stressed that the Emirati and Yemeni peoples’ close ties and deep, historical and brotherly relations are stronger than any other considerations, so the destiny is one and they share the same burden. Therefore, what the ERC provides to the Yemenis is a duty and a human and moral commitment and we will spare no efforts in doing so, Shaikh Hamdan further said.
