Dubai volunteer Ayesha Ismail marked UAE Flag Day by delivering thank-you hampers to 55 frontline workers. The 35-year-old Indian resident has volunteered in the UAE for 17 years and enlisted family and friends to help. Each hamper included a UAE flag and chocolates, Emirates 24|7 reports. A small gesture for people whose everyday work often goes unnoticed.

The details

A Dubai resident has marked UAE Flag Day by organising gifts for 55 frontline workers, turning the national occasion into an opportunity to recognise people serving the community.

Ayesha Ismail, a 35-year-old Indian expatriate, has been involved in voluntary activities across the UAE for approximately 17 years.

For this year's Flag Day, she decided to recognise 55 people, reflecting the UAE's 55 years since the formation of the Union.

The recipients included volunteers, healthcare professionals, police officers and civil defence personnel.

Each hamper contained a UAE flag, chocolates and a framed flag.

The initiative was organised at short notice, with help from Ayesha's family and friends, who are also involved in volunteering.

Ayesha began volunteering after arriving in Abu Dhabi in 2009. Her early activities included community initiatives supporting construction workers.

After moving to Dubai, she continued participating in organised volunteering, including summer hydration campaigns and health awareness activities.

She credits her mother, a doctor in India who regularly helped people in need, with inspiring her approach to community service.

Her husband, daughter and friends also support her charitable activities.

The Flag Day gesture was intended to acknowledge workers whose contributions are sometimes overlooked.

The story offers a reminder that national occasions can also be opportunities for ordinary residents to express gratitude and support others in their communities.