More than 10,000 residents from the Philippines have gathered for a colourful celebration ahead of their country’s independence day in Dubai in a show of solidarity and unity with their homeland.
June 12 marks the country’s 125th year of independence from Spanish rule.
Alfonso Ferdinand, ambassador of the Philippines to the UAE, spoke of the close bond of friendship with the Emirates.
“The visionary leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed ... and his full support and recognition of the Filipino people’s contributions to the country’s economy and in the fabric of UAE’s vibrant multicultural society, are the very reasons why Filipinos have chosen the UAE as their second home,” he said in a statement issued by Wam news agency.
The day-long cultural festival featured music, dance shows, games and performances by musicians and actors from the Philippines and the UAE at the World Trade Centre in Dubai on Saturday.
Elena Cruz, chief executive of Infinite Communities, told The National of her pride at being among the main organisers of the event.
She said the "camaraderie, sense of unity, pride and belonging from every Kabayan [people from the Philippines] and most important of all, the love and respect from the host country", were the standout features of the event.
Hessa Buhumaid, director general of Dubai's Community Development Authority, praised the strong work ethic and dedication of the Filipino community and thanked them for their contributions to the growth of the UAE.
“We gather here to commemorate the rich history and extraordinary journey of the Filipino people towards freedom, while also acknowledging the vibrant spirit of diversity and inclusivity that defines the tapestry of the UAE,” she said.
Ms Buhumaid said the celebrations were an example of the Emirates embracing various cultures and nationalities to build a prosperous community and promote harmony.
Bilateral ties between the UAE and the Philippines were formalised in April 1974 with agreements signed to boost mutual investments, bolster economic co-operation and create an investor-friendly climate.
Parades were held in countries around the world including the US, with actors and beauty queens waving to crowds from floats in New York City.
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Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
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ICC Awards for 2021
MEN
Cricketer of the Year – Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Test Cricketer of the Year – Joe Root (England)
WOMEN
Cricketer of the Year – Smriti Mandhana (India)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Lizelle Lee (South Africa)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Tammy Beaumont (England)
Specs
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Profile of Foodics
Founders: Ahmad AlZaini and Mosab AlOthmani
Based: Riyadh
Sector: Software
Employees: 150
Amount raised: $8m through seed and Series A - Series B raise ongoing
Funders: Raed Advanced Investment Co, Al-Riyadh Al Walid Investment Co, 500 Falcons, SWM Investment, AlShoaibah SPV, Faith Capital, Technology Investments Co, Savour Holding, Future Resources, Derayah Custody Co.
