Dubai: Abdullah Ahmad Al Ghurair was named the first goodwill ambassador for education in the Arab world, becoming the first ambassador of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Science Organisation’s (ALECSO) Goodwill Ambassadorship Programme.
This comes as recognition of Al Ghurair’s philanthropic contribution to the education space in the UAE and the Arab world.
ALESCO is a specialised agency, based in Tunis, that is concerned with enhancing and coordinating cultural and educational activities in the Arab world.
Al Ghurair had donated a third of his wealth to offer educational opportunities for high-achieving youth who do not have the financial means to complete their higher education.
The Abdullah Al Ghurair Education Foundation offers scholarships and educational programmes in the field of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The Foundation aims to benefit 15,000 talented students within 10 years with an investment of over $1 billion (Dh3.67 billion).
Commenting on his appointment as the first goodwill ambassador for education in the Arab world, Al Ghurair said, “I am honoured and humbled to receive this recognition from such a prestigious institution for its focus on education, culture and science. I feel privileged to be able to help support deserving Emirati and Arab youth complete their education and contribute to the development of their country.”
He added that the region is brimming with talented young people and that “investing in youth is our best chance at a brighter future for the Arab world”.
The launch of ALECSO’s Goodwill Ambassador programme coincides with the opening of its new headquarters, marking a new beginning for the organisation that falls under the League of Arab States.
The ceremony which will be held in the Tunisian capital will be in the presence of Beji Qaid Al Sebsi, President of Tunisia, Dr Nabeel Al Arabi, secretary-general of the Arab League, and a number of other Arab ministers of education and heads of Arab national and international organisations.
