Abu Dhabi students help pack 10,000 winter relief kits to help needy Gazans

Abu Dhabi students demonstrated community spirit by contributing to a nationwide aid effort for Gaza, helping to assemble 10,000 winter relief kits. The kits, containing 70,000 items of clothing and heating supplies, were prepared to protect civilians from plummeting temperatures ahead. The volunteer initiative was organized by the Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endowment as part of the UAE's humanitarian mission for Gaza.

Hamoud Al Afari, director of UAE relief operations, praised the student community's participation, emphasizing the values of solidarity and generosity being instilled in the younger generation. The UAE has delivered over 131,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza since the outbreak of the war in October 2023, valued at $4.16 billion.

The winter clothing initiative was launched in September to provide warm clothing to one million people in the Gaza Strip, anticipating harsh living conditions during the colder months. The conflict has displaced nearly two million people in Gaza, leaving them vulnerable to health risks due to the severe weather. Although a US-backed ceasefire in October 2025 halted large-scale fighting, Israeli strikes continue, and a permanent peace remains elusive.

The Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, resulted in 1,200 deaths in Israel and 250 hostages taken. Dubai Humanitarian initiated an air bridge in October to transport winter relief supplies to Gaza, with flights operated by the Dubai Royal Air Wing. The UAE has also launched food aid efforts through the Ahmed bin Rashid Humanitarian Bridge initiative, named after Sheikh Ahmed, brother of Sheikh Mohammed, who passed away on September 21.