Fairuz concert to help autism centre

Arab singer Fairuz will perform at the American University in Dubai on April 29 in support of the Dubai Autism Centre (DAC), Mohammed Al Emadi, General Secretary of the Centre, said at a press conference yesterday.

Al Emadi thanked Fairuz and welcomed the idea of the concert. "The Fairuz concert is part of a larger campaign launched by the DAC Board at the UAE and GCC levels," he said.

A press release quoted Fairuz as saying: "I am delighted to perform at the concert. The proceeds will go towards helping a group of young volunteers who are working to create greater awareness about autism. I'd like to praise the initiative of the volunteers to establish the DAC."

Stressing the importance of creating awareness about the condition, Al Emadi said: "According to the latest report published by the Cambridge University Research Centre, of every 10,000 children worldwide, 75 are afflicted by autism, the complex condition that disrupts the most central aspects of human life.

"The Centre's success depends to a large extent on gaining support from all sections of society, including clubs, associations and social institutions."

"We started the campaign to educate society about autism through the media and by hosting seminars. So far, the response has been good. We are also collaborating with the National Autistic Society and have signed a reciprocity agreement with them to hold training and consultancy sessions for our specialists."