Dubai: The significance of corporate philanthropy in the Middle East was the topic for discussion at the Arab Foundations Forum on Monday.

The session was co-hosted by Dubai Cares and Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy and looked at the partnerships between the private and non-profit sectors which are vital to development in the Arab world.

The forum was held as part of "Arab Foundations Week" at the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel and attended by more than 150 people from Arab organisations wishing to develop the best practice in strategic philanthropy in the Middle East.

Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Board Member of The Emirates Foundation, took part in the forum and said: "His Highness President Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, believes greatly in philanthropy as a vital principle of modern life throughout the Arab world.

"As a matter of fact, we have a long-standing philanthropic tradition that is essentially based on the spiritual values of Islam which highlight the importance of community co-operation and support, and it is wonderful to observe such representatives who adopt these traditions."

Dubai Cares CEO Tariq Al Gurg said he valued the rigorous efforts made by the founder of Dubai Cares, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

"Shaikh Mohammad has always encouraged constructing a substantial relation that positively ties the private and non-governmental sectors to enhance programme interventions as part of Shaikh Mohammad's vision of providing humanitarian support and development within the Arab world and globally," Al Gurg said.

"We are proud to be members of the Arab Foundations Forum and we look forward to provide an ideal opportunity to stimulate sharing knowledge and strengthen the collaboration between the members of the (AFF) as well as the private sector."

Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy CEO Peter Cleaves said the UAE had witnessed growth in the number of philanthropic foundations and in the focus on private-philanthropic sector partnerships.