Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) has taken part in an exciting philanthropic collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent, to support a group of 15 travellers in experiencing the holy pilgrimage of Umrah.

Last week, nationals from Sudan, Yemen, Morocco, Bangladesh, Palestine, India and Pakistan were provided with flights and accommodation for the four-day trip to Saudi Arabia between April 15 – 19.

This initiative was part of the airline’s contribution to philanthropic activities, providing those from less privileged backgrounds with an opportunity to experience Umrah.

The group also visited significant historic sites during their trip. Umrah is a holy pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, performed by Muslims and can be undertaken at any time of the year.

Khaled Al Mehairbi, Senior Vice President of Abu Dhabi Airport Operations and Chairman of the Sports and Social Committee at Etihad Airways, said: “Supporting this group for Umrah is just one of Etihad Airways’ opportunities to make a greater contribution to communities in the region, and is part of our commitment to support the Year of Giving. Over the years, we have supported many worthy causes, which will continue during 2017.”

Rashed Mubarak Al Mansouri, Deputy Secretary-General for Local Affairs at Emirates RedCrescent, added: “We have enjoyed a long-term partnership in philanthropic and humanitarian work with Etihad Aviation Group. This latest initiative support the efforts of the UAE and Emirates Red Crescent in the Year of Giving.”

Al Manar Hajj & Umrah Travel Agency developed the Umrah package consisting of flights, visas, five-star hotel accommodation within Makkah and Madina as well as transportation between the two cities.

2017 was officially declared as the Year of Giving by the UAE’s President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Etihad Aviation Group has a detailed strategy forsupporting the Year of Giving’s three pillars of social responsibility, volunteering and serving the nation, and last week committed to donating one dirham per ticket sold in the UAE in support of the national initiative.

EAG has a strong track record of being a socially responsible organisation. In 2016, EAG conducted dozens of community engagement initiatives in many countries including India, Kenya and Serbia, as well as the local community in the UAE. Last year, EAG employees also volunteered over 4,300 hours of time in support of charities and community causes.