Etihad Airways raises money for the 'We Care Yemen' campaign

The donation was announced during the closing ceremony of the World Aviation Football Cup and the Food & Fashion Festival, organised by Etihad Airways’ Sports and Social Committee, held at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort, which also saw the airline help renovate two schools in Kenya.  

The football teams of 28 international airline and aviation groups participated in the event, which included a wide range of activities such as henna painting, musical entertainment, a ballet, and costume competitions.  

Khaled Al Mehairbi, Etihad Airways’ senior vice president government and aero political affairs, who also serves as chairman of the Sports and Social Committee, said: “As the UAE’s national airline, we are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to society and give back to those in need.  We are delighted to collaborate with the UAE Red Crescent to serve and support these causes.   

“We extend our  thanks to our guests, sponsors and suppliers who participated in the generous fund raising programmes during 2015 in support of those in need. Collectively, we have given a glimmer of hope and the chance of a better future to our brothers and sisters in Yemen and Kenya."  

The opening ceremony was led by the UAE National Deaf Youth Orchestra. The show also included performances by Salah the Entertainer, the winner of Arabs Got Talent 2015, Hamza Hawaswi, the winner of X Factor 2015, and the American singer, Dynasty. A kids’ ballet show by Abu Dhabi-based Fusion Arts was another highlight of the event.    

Charitable donations for Yemen were collected through various initiatives including the donation of Etihad Guest Miles online, an Etihad garage sale, through the Etihad football league, the donation of new school bags and stationery to Yemeni children by Etihad Airways staff, and cash donations at the Emirates Red Crescent collection boxes.   

The airline’s initiatives to support the ‘Yemen We Care’ campaign are part of an earlier agreement on humanitarian and social cooperation between Etihad Airways and Emirates Red Crescent.