The Emirates Red Crescent officials pose for photos with grooms of the 11 Yemeni Governorates in Aden on Friday. WAM

Dr Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, ERC Secretary-General, said that Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed's initiative is being monitored by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and Chairman of ERC.

The mass weddings also highlight the leadership's desire to maintain the social and psychological stability of the youth, so they can contribute to their country's development and reconstruction, he further added.

"The initiative highlights the UAE leadership's awareness of the humanitarian, social and economic conditions in Yemen, as well as its willingness to address the challenges faced by Yemeni youth, to realise their aspirations for a stable and decent social life," he stressed.

He also noted that the remaining mass weddings will be carried out accordingly during the Year of Tolerance in Taiz, Mukalla, Mocha, Dhale, Hudeidah, Shabwa and Lahij.

Governor of Aden Ahmed Salmeen expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed's generous initiative, which reflects the deep and solid relations between the UAE and Yemen and helps to achieve social and psychological stability.

He also hailed the follow up of Sheikh Hamdan for ERC's continuous efforts in the Yemeni governorate in the past years.

Brides and grooms expressed their gratitude to the UAE leadership for bringing back the smile on their faces through this landmark social initiative.

WAM