Abu Dhabi: They’ve been inspired by the generosity of a top UAE leader, and a group of 10 employees at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court are working to make life better for countrymen and residents across the UAE.
For one, they’ve improved the lives of hundreds of Emirati fishermen in Fujairah. A majlis they’ve set up in Ras Al Khaimah has also helped collect funds for an Emirati father so that he could put his two children through university. And later this year, a cycling and running track will be opened for residents in Umm Al Quwain.
The organisation calls itself Al Bayt Mitwahid, which translates into ‘Our house is united’ in English.
“In an address to the nation, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, [Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Force], stressed on the need to have a ‘united house’ to ensure the development of the UAE. Seeing his commitment, we decided to do whatever we could to give back to the community,” Abdullah Al Niyadi, chairman of Al Bayt Mitwahid Association’s executive committee, told Gulf News.
- Abdullah Al Niyadi | Chairman of Al Bayt Mitwahid Association’s executive committee
He and his fellow employees at the court set up the association in 2012, and bit by bit, they’ve undertaken a slew of community initiatives that respond to community needs.
Among the most notable was the fish reserve they helped set up in Fujairah’s Al Dhadna area, in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water [now the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment].
“We came across fishermen who complained that it was difficult to get a sizeable catch. So we worked to set up a primary feeding area for demersal fish in the area, and installed hundreds of reef balls implanted with coral,” Al Niyadi explained.
These reef balls allow marine organisms to settle in the area, thus boosting the presence of fish and making the fishermen’s livelihood more sustainable.
students a day can study at the Innovation Hub in UAE University
Earlier this year, the association also inaugurated the Innovation Hub, a facility in Al Ain’s UAE University, that allows students to learn about computer-based innovation and technology. The facility has been developed in collaboration with tech giant Google and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, and can host up to 120 students a day for classes in app design, machine learning, robotics and 3D printing.
students attend the ‘Rising Stars’ football camp in Al Dhafra
Over in Abu Dhabi emirate’s Al Dhafra Region, Al Bayt Mitwahid has also organised a football camp overseen by Manchester City Football Schools, titled ‘Rising Stars’. More than 450 students aged between eight and 16 years attend the camp, which kicked off in December and runs until April.
“Our overall goal is community development. We don’t want to limit ourselves to one sector or focus, and the aim is essentially to undertake and realise anything that will help people in the UAE,” Al Niyadi explained.
The organisation, which raises funds through sponsorship from private and public entities, doesn’t expect to grow much over time, but it does hope to continue serving the community.
At the moment, it is poring over submissions by students from 80 schools across Abu Dhabi who have participated in the ‘My Morals, My ID’ competition.
“Students from grades 2 to 5 have crafted illustrative stories that depict moral values like tolerance, solidarity and heritage. The goal is to enhance national pride while allowing children to develop their creative skills,” Al Niyadi said.
Another campaign, ‘That’s My Hero’, recognises members of the community who make a positive impact on other people’s lives. People can nominate their heroes and thank them for their selfless efforts by sharing photos and videos on social media channels, explaining their nomination using the hashtag #ThatsMyHero.
“Also, following the success of the Hub in Al Ain, we plan to introduce another such facility in Sharjah soon,” he added.
