Dubai: The Dubai Islamic Bank has announced on Saturday a Dh120 million contribution to the Community Solidarity Fund against COVID-19 launched by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.
The gesture represents the largest contribution to the fund so far.
The Solidarity Fund, launched by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, seeks to mitigate the health, economic and societal repercussions of the coronavirus.
Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Chairman of Dubai Islamic Bank, said: "Dubai Islamic’s contribution reflects the broader spirit of cooperation that humanity has forged in the current exceptional circumstances, and is part of the Bank’s commitment to supporting all national humanitarian initiatives.”
He said the contribution aims to support the efforts of national authorities to bring relief to affected families, businesses and facilities.
Al Shaibani further said: “UAE society has always been committed to enhancing social solidarity without consideration for race, religion and cultural background. We are keen to work hand in hand with other stakeholders to face any challenges to enhance the impact of humanitarian aid to the most affected segments of the community.”
Al Shaibani emphasised that the Community Solidarity Fund Against COVID-19 has given Dubai Islamic the opportunity to express its commitment to its social responsibilities.
It has also enabled DIB to closely support the UAE leadership’s efforts to protect the society and ensure the health and safety of all citizens and residents.
The Community Solidarity Fund Against COVID-19 announced by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) aims to facilitate community contributions and donations towards combating the coronavirus outbreak under the guidance and directions of the UAE’s leadership.
‘10 Million Meals’ campaign
Meanwhile, the 10 Million Meals campaign, launched on April 19 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, has also seen massive backing.
Businesspersons, Emiratis, expats, inidividuals, companies, government departments and organisations of various kinds continue to heavily contribute financially to the campaign, which started days before Ramadan, an Islamic month that routinely sees new humanitarian initiatives.
10 Million Meals was launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai and is led by his wife Shaikha Hind Bint Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of UAE Food Bank.
Huge response
Within the first two days of the campaign’s launch, more than 15,000 individuals, entrepreneurs and companies pledged online and SMS donations of 450,000 meals. Thousands of other financial and in-kind donations poured into the campaign’s other two channels of bank transfers and call centre. The meals are benefitting communities in the UAE impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.
1.5 million meals
The announcements followed Thursday’s donation of Dh25 million by Dubai-based Beit Al Khair Society, which will help provide 1.5 million meals and over 19,200 food parcels.
Beit Al Khair Society said, “now is the right time to contribute towards the ‘10 million meals’ that ensures no one sleeps hungry in the UAE especially during the holy month of Ramadan”.
Anonymous donor
Some of the contributions have taken place anonymously, such as a Dh1 million donation by an unidentified giver the same day, who only said, “Through this noble campaign, we implement the values of compassion and humanity that the UAE has become a global model for, thanks to its humanitarian efforts that continue to benefit people across the world.”
Also on Thursday, prominent Emirati businessman Ali Abdulla Al Shafar and his sons donated Dh1 million to provide 125,000 meals and food parcels.
A day earlier, on Wednesday, Liberty Dental Clinic had announced donating 12,000 meals, worth Dh100,000.
Also announcing its contribution the same day was Al Sayyah & Sons Investment with a donation of 250,000 meals, worth Dh2 million.
Another donor joining Wednesday’s list was Emirates Islamic with Dh5 million to provide 625,000 meals.
Water bottles
It is not just meals being sponsored – water bottles have also been donated. The UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE) announced on Wednesday it is donating 10 million water bottles, worth Dh5 million, to be distributed with meals, in collaboration with Mai Dubai.
Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Suqia UAE, said, “these difficult times reveal our true values of generosity and humanity”.
The Hussain Sajwani - DAMAC Foundation also announced the donation of Dh1 million to provide 125,000 meals to communities affected by the coronavirus.
Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Properties, said, “It’s an honor for every entity and company to support the ’10 million meals’ campaign as it serves the noble cause of beating hunger. The campaign provides a basic life necessity that brings a sense of safety and reassurance to people facing the most uncertain times.”
