A UAE fundraising drive in support of orphaned children has been hailed as a symbol of the country's "values of giving and solidarity" after raising Dh3.3 billion since its launch at the start of Ramadan.
The Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans initiative seeks to establish a sustainable financial pipeline for orphan care to deliver long-term access to education, healthcare and social empowerment programmes.
The philanthropic programme, held under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed, is being overseen by the Endowments and Minors’ Funds Authority(Awqaf).
"This reflects the deeply rooted values of giving and solidarity that define our society, as well as a shared sense of responsibility towards supporting those most in need," said Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, regarding the vast fundraising total.
"The initiative has also reinforced the role of sustainable endowment as a key pillar of social development, ensuring the continuity and expansion of its humanitarian impact."
The charitable scheme reflects the values and principles championed by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, and has been launched during the Year of Family.
Dh1 billion legacy of campaign
One of the UAE's leading retail estate companies is to develop a Dh1 billion commercial project to generate funds for the scheme.
Ambitious plans for the Mother of the Nation City – named in honour of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak – were unveiled by developers Eagle Hills and Abu Dhabi's Endowments and Minors’ Funds Authority (Awqaf) on Thursday.
All financial returns from the initiative will support the Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans. Authorities did not reveal when the project is expected to be completed or where it will be located.
An agreement signing ceremony was held on Thursday in the presence of Abdul Saeed, chairman of Awqaf; Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, secretary general of Erth Zayed Philanthropies; Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Eagle Hills; Hesham Ibrahim, group chief executive of Eagle Hills; and Fahad Al Qassim, director general of Awqaf.
Under the agreement, Eagle Hills will develop and deliver the project to generate sustainable endowment returns, which will be directed towards supporting orphans in vital areas including education, health care and improving living standards.
“At Eagle Hills, we believe in the importance of supporting national initiatives that invest in people and create lasting impact within society,” said Mr Alabbar.
“This agreement reflects our commitment to developing high-quality projects that generate sustainable endowment returns, contributing to empowering orphans and providing them with better opportunities in education and life, in line with the UAE’s vision for sustainable development and social cohesion.”
Mr Saeed said the partnership “marks an important milestone in advancing the endowment ecosystem” in Abu Dhabi.
“The ‘Mother of the Nation City’ project reflects our commitment to maximising returns from endowment assets and directing them towards supporting the most vulnerable groups, particularly orphans, in a way that ensures resource sustainability and enhances quality of life,” he said.
