Dubai shows it cares... yet again

Dubai: The private sector is making a swift response to expectations that they contribute generously to the 'Dubai Cares' campaign, which was unveiled by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The amount pledged so far has already crossed Dh60 million, with companies seeing the campaign as an opportunity to exercise goodwill towards needy children.

Corporate responsibility

Shaikh Mohammad's demand that private sector companies, including international corporations with local offices, make a "substantial contribution" to 'Dubai Cares' has put the issue of companies' corporate social responsibility into the spotlight.

Organisers of the six-week charity drive earlier told Gulf News that financial donations from the UAE's vast business sector will form the bulk of the Dh200 million that the campaign hopes to raise.

Emaar Industries and Investments (EII) yesterday pledged Dh1 million to the charity drive, which is being held during Ramadan to support the primary education of needy children around the world.

"Education is the key to development, and the vision of Dubai Cares will help usher in a new global era of equal opportunities," said Ahmad Khayyat, CEO at EII.

Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation and chairman and CEO of Emirates Airlines and Group, announced the donation of Dh10 million. Major General Musabeh Rashid Musabeh Al Fattan, director of Diwan of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his family also announced a donation of Dh10 million per year, pledging to build seven schools throughout the world every year.

Shaikh Hasher Maktoum, Director of Dubai Information, pledged Dh10 million. Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World, pledged Dh20 million every year.

Reports said businessman Mohammad Juma Al Naboudah donated Dh10 million while Damac Properties will donate 10 apartments that will be auctioned to raise funds for the charity. "The government is doing the right thing," said Hussain Sajwani, chairman of Damac Holding.

Readers comment

"It is a fantastic decision by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Education is the wealth of the world. I hope that everyone will support the new initiative. The main point of the project is that Shaikh Mohammad is focusing not just on the UAE but the world."
Abdul Jabbar P.C.K.
UAE

"Shaikh Mohammad has showed real humanity. He has shown heart not just for the UAE but also for the world."
Gulzar
UAE

"We must be all grateful for the initiative by Shaikh Mohammad because the step will be of great help for the education of the poor."
Mohammad Emran Inshaf
Sri Lanka

"It is a great decision to educate the world. It would be better if every country thought in a similar manner."
Zahid Ali Khan
Dubai

"It is a very noble initiative by Shaikh Mohammad to provide primary education to the poorest in the world. This is an unique example and [must be] an eye-opener for other countries — to care about
the poorest in the world."
Sadiq
UAE

"I really appreciate the initiative to provide primary education to the poor, which will certainly change the course of their lives. God bless Shaikh Mohammad for his efforts."
Mohammad Sahab Al Deen
India

"I appreciate from the depths of my heart what Shaikh Mohammad has done. He is a man who knows the value of education and this is the key to success for all nations."
Mohammad Salim Khan
UAE

"It is a truly remarkable step ... Today's children are tomorrow's leaders. I am sure this noble action will yield very good results."
Sharmila Bhattar Naufel
Sharjah

"Shaikh Mohammad is a great visionary. He always inspires people from all walks of life. The effort is yet another message for the whole world about how Dubai and its leaders can make a difference and help improve the lives of the children of the world."
Arun Kalwadia
Australia

"Shaikh Mohammad has proved that good rulers do not just look after the welfare of their people but also extend their vision beyond the boundaries. Children are indeed the future pillars of our society and our world, and educating them is one of the wisest investments. If only other world leaders and the wealthy had taken similar initiatives, the world would [have been] a happier place. "
Cheryl Rodrigues
Bahrain

People speak

"His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is taking the initiative to help others and that he is persistent on continuing his good deeds. Education is very important, and it is very good to focus on helping the children."
Tarun Choudhary, 26
Salesman, India

"He is doing a wonderful thing by helping the children. Further support needs to be given by all leaders to educate our children because they are society's future, and it is important for all of us to join together in order to help them. Hopefully, the rest of the world's leaders will follow his actions and do the same."
Jean Kamuren, 29,
Waitress, Kenya

"Everybody knows that it is not the first time that he is doing good deeds for people, and his new initiative will not be the last. I commend him for all the good deeds he is doing, and may Allah bless him."
Mohammad Farhat, 31
Manager, Lebanon

"It is a great idea and I hope that his actions will serve as an example to the rest of the leaders around the world. I support his actions completely and hope that everyone can learn from his good ways."
Edna Koech, 27
Caterer, Kenya

Compiled by Mariam M. Al Serkal, Staff Reporter