How Indian expats in Dubai helped save 25,000 lives through decade of blood donation drives
Over 250 blood donation campaigns led by Indian expats in Dubai have helped save more than 25,000 lives in 10 years./ Image: (Gulf News)
As the world marks World Blood Donor Day on June 14, a quiet but powerful movement in Dubai is being celebrated for its life-saving impact. Founded by a small group of Indian expatriates in 2015, the Kindness Blood Donation Team has now grown into one of the emirate's most impactful volunteer initiatives, having helped save more than 25,000 lives through
over 250 donation campaigns.
A Movement Born of Compassion
The Kindness Blood Donation Team was launched by Shihab Theruvath, Anwar Wayanad, and Salam Kanyappady, three Indian expats united by a shared sense of social responsibility. 'We realised that many people didn't know how many lives they can save, and even though they knew, many didn't know where or how to do it regularly,' said Shihab Theruvath, who works in Dubai's health sector, in an interview with
Gulf News
.
'That's when we felt we had to do something to create a simple way for people who wanted to donate to actually get the chance to do it,' he added.
In 2015, they began by launching small donation drives, gradually expanding their network by using WhatsApp groups based on location. These groups made it easier to mobilise donors quickly, helping bridge the gap between blood need and availability.
'Work schedules often held people back from donating. So, we brought the drives to them, organising campaigns in different parts of the city. The response has been overwhelming,' said Anwar Wayanad, also from the health sector.
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The team soon grew, attracting volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including:
Dibeesh Nalappadam Gangaadharan – Graphic Designer
Vaisakh Suresh Nambiar – Limousine Company Employee
Ramshood Chettumkuzhi – Receptionist
Suhail Kopa – Document Services Professional
These volunteers, mostly from the Indian state of Kerala, continue to drive the message:
'One drop of blood can save a life.'
Frontline Work During COVID-19
The true resilience of the Kindness Team was tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, when strict lockdowns and public fear severely impacted blood donation rates. At a time when blood banks struggled, the team took action.
'It was a time of fear, but it was also a time when we saw the best of humanity,' recalled Salam Kanyappady, a finance manager and entrepreneur, who regularly donates blood with his wife, Riyana Salam.
In close partnership with the Dubai Blood Donation Centre and supported by the Dubai KMCC Kasargod District Committee, the team managed to sustain a series of safe, well-coordinated drives. Their trusted presence helped reassure the public and maintain critical blood supplies.
Following the pandemic, the team expanded its outreach further, collaborating with community groups and alumni associations to run even more organised campaigns across Dubai.
Honours, Milestones, and
World Blood Donor Day 2025
The impact of the group's efforts has been recognised officially. Shihab Theruvath was recently awarded a certificate of appreciation by the Dubai Blood Donation Centre, a testament to the group's unwavering commitment.
As Anwar told
Gulf News
, 'Over the years, we have received overwhelming support from donors of various nationalities.
In close coordination with the Dubai Blood Donation Centre, we have been organising regular, well-structured blood donation campaigns, covering different areas of Dubai and making it convenient for donors to participate.'
He added, 'We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Dubai Blood Donation Centre under Dubai Health for their unwavering support in helping us turn our vision into a reality, as well as to the dedicated team of volunteers and our committed donors who continue to drive this mission forward.'
To mark World Blood Donor Day 2025, the team launched a youth-led campaign titled: 'Give Blood, Give Hope: Together We Save Lives.' The drive, held on Friday, brought in student volunteers in a bid to inspire younger generations to become regular donors.
Many of the group's volunteers and supporters have now taken the next step by donating platelets and red cells, highlighting the campaign's growing sophistication and awareness outreach.
Blood Donation: What You Need to Know
Blood donation in the UAE is a strictly regulated process to ensure the health and safety of both donors and recipients. Here's what donors should be aware of:
Eligibility:
Age: 18 to 65 years
Weight: At least 50 kg (and 55 kg for those aged 21 and under)
Health: Must be in good general health, with at least four hours of sleep and a healthy meal within four hours before donation
ID Requirement: Must present a valid Emirates ID (Tourists/visitors are not eligible)
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not donate
Temporary Deferrals:
Recent travel to malaria-endemic countries: 30-day deferral
Flu-like symptoms, or recent dental work
Permanent Deferrals:
History of malaria, jaundice after age 11, or communicable diseases such as HIV or hepatitis
Individuals who've undergone major surgery or received blood transfusions in the past six months
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one unit of donated blood can save up to three lives, as blood can be separated into red cells, plasma, and platelets, each serving different critical medical needs.
Celebrated every year on June 14, World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) was established in 2004 to raise global awareness about the importance of safe blood donation. It commemorates the birth of Karl Landsteiner, the scientist who discovered blood groups, and serves as a tribute to voluntary blood donors worldwide.
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