A prominent Emirati, whose family is famous for helping others, is the latest to join 200 global philanthropists in signing up to a benevolent fund.
Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Musallam Al Ameri, a former Federal National Council member from Al Ain, has joined 203 other signatories from 23 countries committed to donating at least half their wealth to charity.
The Giving Pledge was launched in 2010 by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda, and American business magnate Warren Buffet.
“Based on the principles of our Islamic religion and our inherent human values, I seek to harness our resources, capabilities and specialised competencies to continue to make many outstanding achievements in humanitarian, charitable and relief work around the world without discrimination between race and religion,” Dr Al Ameri said in his Giving Pledge letter.
“I have strived for a long time, though our charitable institutions, to discharge our humanitarian and charity work guided by a clear vision and pioneering initiatives to serve humanity.
“Through our pioneering initiatives and development plans, I aim to implement multiple human development programs and projects to serve underprivileged communities.
“Meanwhile, I continue to communicate and cooperate with international humanitarian institutions.
“The pledge I have made to give back to society represents an opportunity to join a unique group of philanthropists and a chance to concert efforts to find solutions to some of our world’s most pressing challenges.”
Dr Al Ameri, 47, is deputy chairman of Bin Ham Group, an international business with investments in hotels, travel, education, real estate, engineering and printing.
He is also a member of the Al Ain Municipal Council and founder of the Aounak Ya Watan volunteer team.
The Bin Ham family has a long history of philanthropy.
Dr Al Ameri’s father Sheikh Musallam bin Salem bin Ham Al Ameri and his grandfather, Sheikh Salem bin Ham, born in 1925, played formative roles in the early years of the UAE.
10 philanthropists from the region and beyond who will donate half their wealth to charity
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B R Shetty, founder of BRS Ventures, Finablr and NMC Health, has pledged to donate half their wealth to charity.. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, chairman and chief executive of Kingdom Holding Company. Bloomberg -
Mark Zuckerberg with his wife, Priscilla Chan, and their two children. Charles Ommanney / Facebook -
Designer Diane von Furstenberg. Demetrius Freeman / Reuters -
Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Musallam bin Ham Al Ameri, former FNC member. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National -
George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson (not pictured) have pledged to donate half their wealth to charity. Wong Maye-E / AP Photo -
Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, chairman and managing director of VPS Healthcare. Delores Johnson / The National -
Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson and his wife Joan (not pictured). Lynne Sladky / AP -
Bill Gates and his wife Melinda. Ludovic Marin / AFP -
Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation and Gems Education. Victor Besa / The National
In his time with the FNC, Dr Al Ameri developed a reputation for representing the views and interests of Emiratis.
He has written two books. The first in 2012 called; United Arab Emirates – Wise Governance and the other The Shura in the UAE, published 2015.
It is an analytical representation of the Emirati experience of commitment to Shura, the principal of consultation as an approach to governance, and also a way of life since ancient times.
Philanthropists to sign up to the Giving Pledge from the UAE in 2018 included Badr Jafar, chief executive of Crescent Enterprises and president of Crescent Petroleum, BR Shetty, founder of NMC Health and UAE Exchange and Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, founder of VPS Healthcare.
The pledge has grown to become a global commitment by some of the world’s wealthiest individuals and couples to donate at least half their wealth either during their lifetime, or in their wills.
“We are thrilled to welcome this year’s group of Giving Pledge signatories to the community,” said Mr Buffett.
“The generosity of this group is a reflection of the inspiration we take from the many millions of people who work quietly and effectively to create a better world for others, often at great personal sacrifice.”
