Philanthropic causes give Dubai a heart

Dubai: Dubai is showing itself to be far more than a business and financial hub by its dedication to philanthropic causes, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi told the Clinton Global Initiative.

Speaking at a panel discussion at the organisation's annual meeting in New York, Al Gergawi highlighted the work of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, which set up a $10 billion (about Dh36.7 billion) endowment to create world-class leaders.

"The endowment helps to reinstate knowledge and culture as key pillars of the society, establish a regional knowledge infrastructure, while empowering the youth to be innovative in job creation," he said.

He also mentioned 'Dubai Cares' campaign for educating needy children in poor countries, and talked about Dubai's success in social and economic transformation.

Quoting from a World Bank study that has forecast the need to create 80 million jobs in the next decade in the Arab world, Al Gergawi said: "This is an unprecedented challenge, with the population growing at an annual rate of over 2.4 per cent during 2000-2004."

The Clinton Global Initiative brings together world leaders in business, government, science and religion to develop a framework to address contemporary issues.

Highlighting the positive role played by Dubai government in instituting programmes for government excellence and e-government, Al Gergawi said: "These programmes comprise models and tools that can be replicated by others."