As we move into March, the situation remains critical in the regions where the earthquake disaster that occurred in our beloved country on the 6th February 2023 and covered 10 cities in southeast of Türkiye, as well as parts of Syria.
The first earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 occurred in the Pazarcık, and after 9 hours, the second earthquake hit the Elbistan district of Kahramanmaraş and they were felt in Hatay, Adana, Gaziantep, Malatya, Kilis, Adıyaman, Diyarbakır, Şanlıurfa and Osmaniye. Many buildings were destroyed and many thousands of people have lost their lives.
We truly wish God's mercy on those who have lost their lives and patience and strength for their relatives and loved ones and all of our fellow country men and women who are working to so hard to navigate not just the practical implications of this disaster, but also attempting to rebuild their homes and livelihoods amongst the ongoing devastation.
After this regional tragedy, in which we paid a heavy price as a nation, aid campaigns leapt into action all over the world to support and help the suffering earthquake victims and those affected directly.
It was no different here in the UAE. The day after the earthquake, the aid-in-kind campaign was organised with collaborations of The Turkish Embassy, The Consulate General in Dubai, The Turkish Business Council, Turkish Airlines and Esskay Logistics and continued between the 7th and 12th of February. CSS ELogix and Blachere companies generously opened their warehouses to use as delivery points for the campaign. The aid has been collected across two different warehouses within a week.
More than 200 volunteers worked in the operation, and the Emirates Red Crescent volunteers were there to work alongside us. 198 tons of goods in 89 trailers have been sent to Red Crescent of Türkiye with Turkish Airlines air cargo. DHL and Emirates Airlines have also provided logistical support.
We want to extend our sincere gratitude to all of the companies and individuals who took part in the donation campaign by donating their time, money and resources to this important cause, and doing it so swiftly.
In the spirit of solidarity, Turks and people from all nationalities came together shoulder to shoulder, and worked with dedication and diligence for days without care of time or energy.
The Royal Family, other citizens and residents of the UAE immediately played their part to help earthquake victims in Turkey and we truly felt their big hearts and generosity.
The UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ordered the provision of $100 million for the relief of those affected by the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey.
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, has pledged to provide $13,6 million towards helping quake victims in Syria and Türkiye. The Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women will make the donation in support of the Emirates Red Crescent's 'Bridge of Goodness' humanitarian campaign.
On the first day of the earthquake, on February 6, the UAE President immediately dispatched 3 teams of search and rescue personnel to help people affected by the earthquake in Turkey.
Under the directives of Sheikh Mohamed, a field and mobile hospitals have also been established to help the victims. The UAE has opened air bridges to transport tonnes of urgent relief materials like blankets, 2115 tents, medical supplies and other humanitarian goods.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, also visited a number of quake-hit areas in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye.
EMIRATES RED CRESCENT’S AID IN KIND DONATION FOR THE EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS IN TÜRKIYE
For those who suffered from the earthquake in our country, the 'Bridges of Giving' aid campaign was launched by the Emirati Red Crescent, in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in conjunction with Dubai Cares. During the two-week campaign between 11-26 February 2023, notifications were made to UAE citizens to encourage cash donations via the Emirates Red Crescent online outlet.
GULFOOD EXHIBITION 20-24 FEBRUARY 2023
Gulfood is the world's largest F&B event brand for the global F&B industry, uniting food and beverage communities around the world to chart the way forward for this rapidly evolving sector.
As the 28th edition of the world’s largest Gulfood went even larger and greener this year, held between 20-24 February 2023, the organiser, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) announced to the hundreds of thousands of global community followers, the launch of the all-new sustainability-focused events GULFOOD GREEN & GULFOOD AGROTECH, set to take place 24-26 September 2024 at DWTC.
At Gulfood, TBC we have visited our esteemed members exhibition booths and discussed the participation, opportunities and success of the event participation.
GULFOOD DELEGATION HOSTED WITH IFZA
TBC hosted a Kosgeb delegation during their recent visit to Gulfood 2023 in Dubai and gave a presentation to more than 35 delegates about the Turkish Business Council (Dubai and Northern Emirates), its mission, activities, and members. The event was held by IFZA, our corporate member, at their conference centre. Opening remarks were given by IFZA’s Client Engagement Manager Berna Aydemir.
GULFOOD DELEGATION HOSTED WITH DP WORLD
During their recent visit to Gulfood 2023 in Dubai, delegations from the Chamber of Commerce of Denizli were hosted by the Turkish Business Council (Dubai and Northern Emirates) at the premises of our esteemed member DP World in Jebel Ali Port. The delegates from Denizli were pleased to learn about the Turkish Business Council Dubai and Northern Emirates’ organisation mission, activities, and members. Tariq Al Tayer, assistant manager at DP World, provided us and the delegation with updates on the company's integrated global network of ports, terminals, free zones, logistical hubs, and maritime services. He also talked about the potential for manufacturing, import, and export in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
TBC BOARD MEMBERS MEET WITH NEW CONSUL GENERAL
Onur Saylan, our new Consul General, was warmly welcomed by our President, Nilgun Emrem and the Board members of the Turkish Business Council and given a brief about TBC and its core activities. Both parties reassured to work together in order to pursue success for the Turkish community in UAE and development of relations with UAE authorities, business and society.