Latest news with #Al-Mazrouei
Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait sends 10 tons of food in first relief flight to Gaza
KUWAIT: Kuwait sent its first relief flight to Gaza on Sunday, delivering 10 tons of food supplies as part of a new airlift campaign aimed at easing the severe humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory. The flight departed from Abdullah Al-Mubarak Air Base and is headed to Al-Arish International Airport in Egypt, where the aid will be transferred safely into Gaza. This effort is part of a campaign organized by the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) in cooperation with the Ministries of Social Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Defense, with logistical support from the Kuwaiti Air Force. 'The launch of the Kuwaiti air bridge and the first relief flights to Gaza embody the efforts of official bodies following the high directives in the country to support our Palestinian brothers during their humanitarian hardships,' Fawaz Al-Mazrouei, Director General of the Kuwaiti Red Crescent Society, who accompanied the flight, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Kuwait's campaign comes as Gaza faces catastrophic conditions. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, at least 61,430 Palestinians have been killed in the Zionist entity's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since October 2023. This includes 217 who died from hunger — 100 of them children. The ministry also noted that 35 Palestinians were killed and over 304 injured while trying to get humanitarian aid in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of Palestinians killed while seeking aid to 1,778, with over 12,894 others wounded since May 27. Al-Mazrouei said the campaign reflects Kuwait's 'deep humanitarian vision and ongoing support for those in need worldwide.' Earlier this week, Kuwait's Ministry of Social Affairs announced that the nationwide donation campaign had raised KD 11.5 million. Funds are being used to purchase food and other essentials through the Kuwait Flour Mills Company, with KRCS overseeing procurement. Al-Mazrouei also highlighted continued coordination with the Egyptian and Palestinian Red Crescent societies to ensure aid reaches Gaza safely and that the most urgent needs are prioritized. He added that arrangements are underway with government bodies to add more flights in the coming days. 'The State of Kuwait, its leadership and people, stand with the brothers in times of crisis, consistent with its historic role as a center for humanitarian work,' he said. — Agencies
Kuwait Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait finalizes logistics for Gaza aid shipments
Charities submit requests to Kuwait Flour Mills; KRCS volunteers to accompany flights KUWAIT: The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) is standing by for official clearance to begin airlifting critical humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip. The airlift is part of a nationwide relief campaign aimed at supporting Palestinians facing catastrophic conditions under the Zionist entity 's ongoing assault and blockade. 'We're now awaiting confirmation from the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of when the airlifts will begin,' said Fawaz Al-Mazrouei, Director General of KRCS, in an interview with KTV news channel. Launched under the directives of Kuwait's top leadership, the aid campaign has mobilized government bodies, civil society groups, and the public in what officials describe as a coordinated national response to the Zionist entity's genocidal war on Gaza. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Social Affairs announced the conclusion of the donation drive, confirming that it raised KD 6,546,078 (approximately $21.4 million) in total. That includes KD 2.5 million through an online fundraiser, KD 1.5 million from Insan Charity Society, KD 1.3 million from Direct Aid Society, KD 500,000 from the Awqaf Secretariat General, and other contributions from local organizations. All funds collected will be fully allocated to the purchase of relief materials through the Kuwait Flour Mills Company. The decision, said Al-Mazrouei, was settled upon following several meetings. 'All charitable organizations are in direct contact with the Kuwait Flour Mills Company, submitting their requests based on each organization's capacity,' said Al-Mazrouei. 'Based on that, we at the Red Crescent — acting as the liaison — coordinate with all the charities and organize the entire program. And, God willing, that process is now underway.' Once flight schedules are confirmed, KRCS will finalize preparations for the aid shipments and oversee the distribution of materials, in line with the requests submitted by each charity through the Flour Mills. Supervising aid delivery Al-Mazrouei added that preparations are underway to assign volunteers to accompany each relief flight. 'According to the dates of each flight, volunteers are assigned to accompany the plane,' he said. 'They will transport all the requested items to the airport, where they are loaded from vehicles onto the aircraft for departure.' Each plane will include a team of volunteers to supervise the handover of aid, he said. 'They will supervise delivery upon arrival and ensure handover to the Egyptian Red Crescent and the storage facilities, confirming that all items have been received,' Al-Mazrouei explained. 'The Egyptian Red Crescent will then deliver the goods into Gaza, God willing, under the supervision of all parties involved.' Assistant Foreign Minister for Development and International Cooperation Hamad Suleiman Al-Mashaan had told the press last month that part of the aid supplies will be delivered to Gaza through Jordan. But no information on delivery to Jordan was provided by Al-Mazrouei. 'All efforts today are focused on one goal — supporting and aiding the Palestinian people,' he said, noting that the Red Crescent was tasked with leading the campaign based on its experience in delivering aid internationally. Al-Mazrouei praised the Defense Ministry for its role in preparing the air bridge, highlighting the enthusiasm of air force crews involved in the mission. 'They are always among the first to respond,' he said. 'When we meet with each flight crew, they're genuinely happy to be delivering aid to any country. This is truly humanitarian work, and everyone is seeking the reward from Allah.' 'Relief on the way' The campaign's urgency comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, the Zionist entity's nearly two-year war on Gaza has killed at least 61,158 Palestinians, including 193 who have died from hunger, among them 96 children. The ministry also reported that 87 Palestinians were killed and 570 wounded while attempting to access humanitarian aid. Since late May, 1,655 people have died and more than 11,800 have been injured while trying to obtain food or supplies. The Zionist entity has maintained a blockade on Gaza for 18 years and has closed all border crossings since March 2. As of August, the enclave's 2.4 million residents have received only 843 aid trucks since July 27, far fewer than the 6,000 trucks needed over 10 days to meet basic needs, according to Gaza's Government Media Office. Kuwait's campaign is one of many aiming to help Gazans. 'To the people of Gaza: Relief is on the way, God willing. The people of Kuwait stand with you and will not fall short, God willing,' said Al-Mazrouei This campaign marks the first authorized charitable fundraising drive since a nationwide suspension was imposed in April 2025. The suspension followed authorities' discovery of several unauthorized campaigns operating through unofficial websites and social media. The Ministry of Social Affairs said the freeze was necessary to protect donor funds and restore accountability. The suspension was lifted in late June, paving the way for a coordinated and transparent campaign to support Gaza. The Kuwaiti people have responded with overwhelming generosity. 'The Kuwaiti people are naturally generous and quick to help,' Al-Mazrouei said. 'Even residents in Kuwait are joining these efforts. Everyone is contributing, racing to give whatever they can.'
Hi Dubai
05-02-2025
- Sport
- Hi Dubai
NAS Sports Tournament Expands 12th Edition with New Olympic and Popular Sports
The Higher Organizing Committee of the NAS Sports Tournament has confirmed the schedule for the 12th edition of the prestigious sporting event. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Defense of the UAE, and guided by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the tournament remains a key fixture in Dubai's sports calendar. As the largest community sports event of its kind, the NAS Sports Tournament takes place annually at the Nad Al-Sheba Sports Complex during the Holy Month of Ramadan. This year's edition will feature an expanded lineup of 11 sports, including volleyball, padel, jiu-jitsu, fencing, wheelchair basketball, running, cycling, tug of war, and an obstacle challenge. Additionally, two new competitions—badminton and shooting—have been introduced to further diversify the tournament's offerings. Designed to provide an inclusive and competitive sporting platform, the tournament fosters participation across various disciplines and welcomes athletes from all backgrounds, including people of determination. It aims to enhance social interaction, encourage an active lifestyle, and promote the spirit of sportsmanship in a vibrant and engaging environment. Mr. Hassan Al-Mazrouei, Tournament Manager, emphasized the committee's commitment to selecting competitions aligned with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Over the past 11 editions, the tournament has played a pivotal role in the development of multiple sports, attracting global athletes and elevating Dubai's reputation as a hub for elite sporting events. Highlighting the event's growing prominence, Al-Mazrouei noted that the NAS Sports Tournament has welcomed over 51,000 amateur and professional athletes from the UAE and abroad, competing across 88 events. The inclusion of Olympic and internationally recognized sports further enhances opportunities for local and international athletes to gain competitive experience. 'With the expansion of competitions in this edition, we are reinforcing the tournament's role in nurturing talent and fostering global participation. Invitations will soon be extended to athletes and teams, with registration details and participation mechanisms to be announced in the coming days,' Al-Mazrouei stated. The NAS Sports Tournament continues to set new benchmarks for community engagement and sports development, making it a cornerstone of Dubai's thriving sports culture. News Source: Dubai Sports Council
