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Watani sends 22 charity workers on Haj

DUBAI — The UAE social development programme, Watani, has granted 22 charity workers from the various emirates, age groups and nationalities their lifetime wish to join thousands of Muslims from around the world for Haj.

The organising committee selected volunteers from Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, Emirates Association for the Blind, Dar Zayed for Comprehensive Welfare as well as representatives from other charity associations and orphanages following their efforts to contribute to the development of the nation on all levels.

They had each participated in the different social and cultural campaigns organised by the programme to reinforce the national identity, culture of voluntary work and practices of good citizenship. They will be accompanied by Watani’s most active volunteers who are invited to join as a token of appreciation for their ongoing dedication.

“I am overwhelmed by the chance offered to me by Watani to perform Haj, which to me is an activity that forfeits boundaries of race, language and social status. We meet only for one purpose, in the same way that we work in our community for one purpose,” said Munther Darweesh Yagoub, member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders. Commenting on the campaign, Shaikh Mostafa Abdul Aal, Watani’s religious counsellor, and head of the delegation, said, “Islam is an integral part of the identity of UAE nationals and the Haj brings us closer and closer to God. This campaign will establish unity among volunteers from a variety of nationalities and backgrounds and will bring together people from different civil society organisations who are joined by their desire to serve their community.”

The Watani Haj campaign started with the departure of the pilgrims to Al Madinah Al Munawarah on Dec. 11 and will continue for 10 days, ending with the celebration of Eid Al Adha on December 23.