Samsung delivered care packages to employees and their families staying in the Middle East. The move aims to boost morale among staff who are keeping sites running amid unexpected regional tensions and to support their families.

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong inspects the underground tunnel construction site for the NEOM new city in Tabuk Province, northwestern Saudi Arabia, in 2023, where Samsung C&T is participating. From the 28th during the Chuseok holiday through today, he visits Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Egypt to encourage executives and employees working at local business sites and discuss ways to expand the business. /Courtesy of Samsung Electronics

Samsung said on the 25th it delivered care packages to about 500 employees of its affiliates working in three Middle Eastern countries—the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Saudi Arabia—and to their families. The move was proposed by Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, and Lee's message was delivered as well.

Earlier, immediately after the Iran war broke out, Samsung repatriated or evacuated to third countries all employees working in Iran, Iraq and Israel, as well as those in the Middle East who wished to leave. Those remaining on the ground are essential staff who unavoidably stayed to maintain projects under client contracts, most of them belonging to Samsung C&T and Samsung E&A. They are said to be managing major construction project sites such as artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and nuclear power plants.

Samsung said, "The remaining employees are working with safety ensured in areas with a low risk of attack."

The package allows employees to choose either a Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphone and tablet PC set or a Galaxy Book6 Pro laptop. Including Onnuri gift certificates, support worth about 5 million won per family was provided. The move took into account that most families reside in Korea.

The packages were delivered on the 24th along with Lee's message of encouragement. Lee said, "I extend my deepest condolences to employees and their families who are facing difficulties due to the unexpected situation in the Middle East," and added, "I am truly grateful for your dedication despite the challenging circumstances."

Meanwhile, in Dec. 2022, after taking office as chairman, Lee's first overseas schedule was a visit to the construction site of the Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi, UAE. He has since continued visiting sites in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, to encourage local employees.

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