President of the University of Dubai (UD) Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki honored the “Draw a Smile” student volunteering team and the fourth-place winner in the UAE’s “Aoun” competition for volunteering organized by the Red Crescent Authority.

During the virtual ceremony, Dr. Al Bastaki praised the team’s efforts and their role in spreading a smile on the faces of people through the activities that they organize in cooperation with several institutions, including the Red Crescent Authority and the Watani Emirates Foundation. He also stressed the importance of carrying out such humanitarian and voluntary work, which focuses on doing good and helping people in need.

Dr. Al Bastaki also congratulated the volunteering students on their charitable work in the UAE and abroad. He also addressed the significance of volunteering in achieving many positive societal and personal benefits since it contributes to increasing the strength of society, strengthens the bonds of love and respect among its people, and spreads happiness and positivity.

Al-Anoud Al-Jaafri, Team President, said that the team carried out several volunteering activities, including participating in the celebration of the orphan’s day, visiting autism centers, holding initiatives to draw smiles on the faces of orphans during the Eid and aiding students and needy people in Indonesia through donations.

She added: “The team is preparing to establish a charity centre in Indonesia as well, and to participate in the University of Dubai’s Volunteering Day during the National Day celebrations.”

The team included Al-Anoud Al Jaafari, Reem Al-Jallaf, Zainab Fathallah, Sheikhah Al-Zarouni, Shama Al-Balushi in addition to Hessa Muhammad, and Ahmad Abdul-Wahid Zahran.