UAE Embassy visits Austrian SOS Children’s Village

The UAE Ambassador to Austria, Hamad Alkaabi, took a guided tour of the SOS Children’s Village in Hinterbruhl and discussed the UAE government’s humanitarian interests and efforts with the leaders of the organisation.

Ambassador Alkaabi announced during the visit that the UAE government would offer a donation to support the reconstruction of a sports hall at the children’s village. The tour is in line with the UAE’s push to help those less privileged.

The ambassador took part in a reading event organised by the UAE Embassy, where he read out a short story to the children at the village and listened as they presented their favourite stories.

"It is an honour to have Ambassador Alkaabi, with us today and we are thankful for the support of the UAE Embassy," said Alexander Mairginter, fundraiser of SOS Children’s Village.

"The [reading] in Arabic by the ambassador to the children was a chance to foster inter-cultural dialogue, and I saw the happiness of the children," he stated.

Noting the importance of humanitarian and charity work, the ambassador said he was "impressed by the work of the SOS Children’s Village and their successful approach."

"The UAE supports such noble efforts that provide hope and well-being for neglected children from various regions," he added.

The visit from the UAE Embassy in Vienna comes during the "Year of Giving" initiative, which was declared by the UAE’s President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Founded in Austria in 1949, SOS Children's Villages International is a global federation working to prevent family breakdown, and protect and care for children who have lost parental care or who risk losing it.

The SOS Children’s Village Hinterbr?hl, located near Vienna is one of the biggest in Europe, with about a hundred children from Austria as well as children living as refugees.