UAE Stands in Solidarity with India, Offers Condolences to Bridge Collapse Victims

Workers use machinery to removes the debris of a pedestrian bridge that collapsed in Morbi town of western state Gujarat, India, Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. (AP)
Workers use machinery to removes the debris of a pedestrian bridge that collapsed in Morbi town of western state Gujarat, India, Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. (AP)
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UAE Stands in Solidarity with India, Offers Condolences to Bridge Collapse Victims

Workers use machinery to removes the debris of a pedestrian bridge that collapsed in Morbi town of western state Gujarat, India, Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. (AP)
Workers use machinery to removes the debris of a pedestrian bridge that collapsed in Morbi town of western state Gujarat, India, Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. (AP)

The United Arab Emirates expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with India over the victims of a bridge collapse in Gujarat in western India, which left at least 130 people dead.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the Indian government and people and to the families of victims, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery to all the injured, reported the state news agency WAM on Sunday.

The colonial-era footbridge over the Machchhu River in the center of Morbi town was packed with sightseers enjoying holiday festivities when it collapsed on Sunday evening, plunging people about 10 meters (33 feet) into the river.

About 35 victims were under 14, according to a list of the deceased seen by Reuters. About 170 people had been rescued by Monday morning.

Police detained nine people as part of a criminal investigation into the accident.



KSrelief Wins International Awards in 2024 for Outstanding Humanitarian Contributions

KSrelief Wins International Awards in 2024 for Outstanding Humanitarian Contributions
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KSrelief Wins International Awards in 2024 for Outstanding Humanitarian Contributions

KSrelief Wins International Awards in 2024 for Outstanding Humanitarian Contributions

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), Saudi Arabia's humanitarian arm, continues to establish itself as one of the world's leading humanitarian and relief organizations. In 2024, KSrelief achieved numerous milestones and garnered prestigious international awards, underscoring its outstanding contributions and pioneering accomplishments in the fields of humanitarian and relief work.
The center earned several international recognitions, including the 2024 Family and Child-Friendly Institution Award presented by the Arab League's Social Affairs Sector, Family and Childhood Department. This honor acknowledged the KSrelief's efforts in supporting Palestinian children and families under occupation, SPA reported.

Moreover, in the realm of institutional excellence and adherence to global standards, KSrelief received the ISO 37000 Governance of Organizations and the ISO 373001 Compliance Management Systems certifications. This recognition was granted after the center successfully implemented and met international system standards, earning European accreditation. KSrelief stands as one of the first organizations to achieve these certificates from the UK-based PCMS company.
In recognition of Saudi Arabia's humanitarian, relief, and volunteer efforts facilitated by KSrelief, the center received the Global Humanitarian Achievement Award by the National Council on US-Arab Relations. This award commends KSrelief's contributions to international humanitarian and relief work through projects in vital sectors such as health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation, and environmental improvement.
Recognizing its exceptional efforts and humanitarian impact, KSrelief was honored with the Forbes Middle East Award for Social Responsibility. This award encourages local entities to prioritize social responsibility in their initiatives, promoting exceptional services through sustainable development programs and fostering a culture of social responsibility in Saudi Arabia.
Advisor to the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the KSrelief Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah extended gratitude on behalf of the center's team to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their unwavering support. He emphasized that this support has significantly contributed to enhancing KSrelief's regional and international prominence.
Dr. Al Rabeeah reaffirmed the KSrelief's dedication to intensifying its efforts to fulfill all the goals of Saudi Arabia's humanitarian initiatives overseas, in alignment with the aspirations of the Saudi leadership. He emphasized that these successive achievements serve as global acknowledgements of KSrelief's pivotal role in implementing relief, humanitarian, and development projects and programs that have positively impacted the lives of millions of people in need worldwide. He also highlighted the center's collaborative efforts with its partners within the Kingdom, including ministries and agencies, as well as its partnerships with international and United Nations organizations abroad.