RCA launches Dh15m scheme

Al Ain: The Red Crescent Authority has launched a Dh15 million charity programme for the benefit of 3,500 low-income families, the destitute, students and needy individuals in Al Ain during Ramadan.

The programme is based on a grant by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Shaikh Tahnoun Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region, and the Zakat Fund.

Addressing a press conference, Hamad Saif Saeed Al Shamsi, Director of RCA's Al Ain Branch, said some 35,000 individuals had been listed with the authority. "The RCA will spent Dh4 million to support them," he added.

An estimated Dh1.8 million will be spent on the distribution of iftar meals through 24 tents established in different parts of the city.

Some of these tents have been set up in downtown Al Ain, Hili Industrial Area, Al Yaher, Al Materadh districts, Al Ain Bus Station and Al Jimi Hospital. Iftar tents have also been set up in far-flung areas, he said.

Al Shamsi said the RCA had already distributed food worth Dh500,000 among needy families and individuals. More food will be distributed over Ramadan.

Talking about other projects, he said an amount of Dh1.6 million would be utilised for the benefit of needy students, Dh300,000 for the rehabilitation of people with special needs and Dh300,000 for medical care programmes.

He said the authority hoped Al Ain philanthropists would support them during Ramadan.

"We hope to collect foodstuff worth Dh3 million from people during the month," Al Shamsi added.

RAMADAN PRAYER TIMINGS

- Add 4 minutes for Abu Dhabi, deduct 4 minutes for RAK and 6 minutes for Fujairah.