Aluminium sector employees donate 5 million tonnes of supplies in strong show of support for Syrian refugees

Action highlights the importance of corporate responsibility

On 6 February the UAE Red Crescent collected five million tonnes of clothing and food donated by employees of Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL) and Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) – the UAE’s two primary aluminium producers that will be integrated into Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the jointly-owned, UAE-based conglomerate to be formed by Mubadala Development Corporation and Investment Corporation of Dubai - to refugees in Syria. The donation was in response to a call by the two flagship companies to help alleviate the impact on families and children struggling with displacement from their homes and harsh winter weather.

The appeal reflected the company’s position as a caring corporate citizen. In partnership with the UAE Red Crescent, the call went out for blankets, jackets, towels and non-perishable food items, which could prove to be life-saving for those experiencing very difficult conditions. Employers swiftly answered the call and the donations were weighed at DUBAL’s weighbridge before being delivered to the Red Crescent charity for dispersal amongst the Syrian refugees.

Commenting on the strong response to the appeal, Khalid Essa Buhumaid (Official Spokesperson) said: “As a company we have a responsibility and a duty of care to support those less well-off and make a difference in their lives. Moved by the plight and suffering of the refugees in Syria, the employees of the UAE’s aluminium industry responded swiftly and with great generosity, confirming that our corporate culture of care extends across our workforce.”