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Recognising the need for solidarity in times of crisis, global ports have joined together to back Abu Dhabi Ports’ Horns of Hope initiative to show support for those engaged on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. The initiative calls on all ships in harbours around the world to sound their horns in 15-second bursts each evening, in recognition of the efforts of maritime, healthcare, and critical sector personnel, who are working diligently to ensure their respective communities remain safe and healthy.
Similar efforts have been observed in a number of ports across Europe, such as the Antwerp, Rotterdam, Vauban, Monaco, and Barcelona, in addition to ports in Germany. In the Middle East region, the long list of Horns of Hope participants, in addition to Abu Dhabi Ports, includes Jebel Ali, Ajman, Jizan, Shuaiba and Khalifa bin Salman port in Bahrain.
H.E. Dr. Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Federal Transport Authority – Land & Maritime (FTA), said: “The Horns of Hope initiative has given people across the region and around the world daily affirmation that all communities are standing together to overcome the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, we will continue to sound the horns each evening in honour of their sacrifice and thank the world’s ports that have joined our effort, and welcome more ports to join us.”
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Abu Dhabi Ports Group CEO, added: “When we first began the Horns of Hope initiative, our sole aim was to pay homage to the critical infrastructure and healthcare workers who are sacrificing so much to keep the rest of us safe and healthy in the face of this global pandemic. But to see this initiative moving now beyond the confines of the UAE and onto the world stage fills us with immense pride.
