The declaration of 2017 as the Year of Giving by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan reflects the insightful vision of the founder of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for putting people at the centre of all humanitarian efforts, said H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region and President of the Emirates Red Crescent.

He was speaking on the occasion of the UAE Food Bank launch, announced today by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as part of the Year of Giving initiative.

"Pursuance of generous giving is no unusual approach for our wise leadership, namely, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who learnt from late Sheikh Zayed, the source of goodness, who benefited the Emiratis as well as all people, regardless of their faith or sex, and managed to transform the UAE into a world major donor of food, medicine and clothing," Sheikh Hamadan said.

"God willing, the UAE’s journey of generous giving will continue to achieve its goals," he added, calling upon citizens and expatriates to strengthen their solidarity and rush to charity work to help the needy through the UAE Food Bank project.