UAE official opens new phase of Emirati-funded refugee camp

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday met with Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE ruler's representative in the western region and chairman of the UAE Red Crescent. 

The Emirati official later opened the second stage of a UAE-funded Syrian refugee camp.

The King’s discussions with Sheikh Hamdan covered bilateral ties and the two countries' commitment to boosting cooperation at all levels as part of the joint Arab action, a Royal Court statement said. 

King Abdullah expressed his appreciation of the UAE support to Jordan, particularly in enabling the Kingdom to continue serving Syrian refugees residing in its territory. 

Sheikh Hamdan launched the second phase of the Mreijeb Al Fhoud Refugee Camp near Zarqa to the northeast of Amman. 

Accompanied by UAE’s Minister of Development and International Cooperation Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on the camp expansion, which includes 898 mobile trailers that can accommodate around 5,000 persons, while the camp has served as home for around 4,000 Syrian refugees since its opening in April 2013. 

The $15 million desert camp, with an initial capacity of 6,000 persons, is designed to be expandable to host over 30,000 Syrians.

At the camp, 25km east of Zarqa, Sheikh Hamdan commended the various efforts exerted to help the Syrian people to overcome their problems, stressing their dire need for all forms of assistance to help them survive their ordeal. 

He also applauded cooperation at the leadership level between the two countries. 

Sheikh Hamdan met with Syrian refugees who thanked the UAE and Jordan for the services they offer. 

The decision to expand the facility was taken in February this year when the UAE Red Crescent signed a 13 million UAE dirham agreement (around JD2.5 million) to carry out the project.