In partnership with the Ministry of Health’s blood bank department, ARA Petroleum, one of the Zubair Corporation’s specialised energy and natural resource companies, hosted a blood donation drive at its facility in Azaiba for the second consecutive year.

Speaking about the event, Hamed Bin Said Al Shibani, Manager of Quality, Health, Safety and Environment , said, “ARA Petroleum is committed to enhancing its employees’ institutional values through the establishment of several community initiatives, in collaboration with its partners from the public and private sectors.”

“This is the company’s second campaign. Our aim is to raise the spirit of volunteering among employees, as well as to increase the stock of the blood bank in Oman. These initiatives also serve to express the employees’ empathy toward patients throughout their treatment journey, and is an opportunity to promote the culture of donating blood within the community as well.” He added.

Volunteer Abeer Al Ajmiya expressed her gratitude to ARA Petroleum, saying, “I thank ARA Petroleum for giving me the opportunity to participate in this noble cause. This isn’t my first time donating blood. In addition to aiding patients in need, donating blood has several health benefits.”

She added, “It is an important initiative to contribute to blood banks, and I request everyone who can donate blood, to do so in order to create a healthy and productive society.”

Additionally, the WHO has confirmed that blood donation contributes to increasing bone marrow activity, as it helps in producing new blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells and increasing the platelet count. It also increases blood circulation and helps to reduce iron levels in the blood, which is associated with heart disease and arterial blockage. Studies have also shown that those who donate blood at least once a year are less likely to develop circulatory diseases.