Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) hosted a seminar entitled ‘Zayed: An Icon for Goodness and Giving’ in observation of Zayed Humanitarian Day.
Paying rich tribute to the founding father of the UAE, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the annual commemoration of Shaikh Zayed’s death on the 19th day of Ramadan is dedicated to humanitarian work and instilling humanitarian principles in Emirati culture.
Mohammad Saif Al Suwaidi, director-general of ADFD, chaired the seminar that featured a panel of distinguished experts in the field of charity and humanitarian work. Among the panellists were Mohammad Hajji Al Khoury, director-general of Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, and Dr Faleh Handal, renowned Emirati author.
Al Suwaidi said: “Following in the footsteps of the late Shaikh Zayed in spearheading humanitarian work, our leaders are always ready to provide assistance wherever needed. Under the wise direction of UAE President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the UAE continues to lead development and humanitarian assistance, contributing to elevating global living standards.”
Al Suwaidi said: “This year’s Zayed Humanitarian Day holds special importance for us, as it coincides with the UAE’s Year of Giving. Our nation has attained excellence in many aspects. Let us celebrate our achievements and reaffirm our commitment to giving back to the local and international community.”
The ADFD’s development efforts, together with the efforts of other national institutions, have contributed to the UAE becoming the top aid donor in the world in the field of official development assistance in 2016, according to a report by the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The country was also recognised as the top world aid donor in 2013 and 2014.
According to the UAE Foreign Aid 2015 report by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, ADFD was the UAE’s second-highest foreign aid contributor in 2015, expending Dh2.70 billion ($736.73 million). The UAE government, ranked first, disbursed Dh27.84 billion ($7.57 billion), amounting to 86.1 per cent of the total expenditure of Dh32.3 billion ($8.8 billion), while other funds and charitable organisations contributed a cumulative total of Dh1.76 billion.
Since its inception in 1971, ADFD has financed development projects valued at Dh80 billion in 83 countries around the world. The Fund focuses on projects that enhance key sectors including renewable energy, transport, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, industry, health care, social services, housing, water and electricity.
