Students gathered at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) University Health Center to give the gift of life during a blood donation drive from February 22-23, 2016. Held in association with the Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Center, the campaign welcomed students willing to assist by replenishing the shortage of supplies of certain blood types. The campaign received a positive turnout from students, with 233 registered students and a total of 124 donating students.

"My friends and I are donating because it takes us a minute to save someone from a disease that would cost him/her years. It is healthy, easy and a good way to help others," said Feras Kordi, a chemical engineering sophomore at AUS.

Dr. Muddassir Mahmoud, a general practitioner for the Central Blood Bank Center in the UAE, which is responsible for supplying blood to all the hospitals across the UAE, stated that blood donation is very beneficial for the donors as it controls their blood pressure and lowers their chances of having strokes, in addition to many more advantages.

"I encourage all students to give five minutes of their day to save the lives of many people who are in need," said Dr. Mahmoud. "However, many factors should be taken into account including age, weight, and medicine intake."