(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities (Awqaf) in Dubai has contributed Dh52 million for the benefit of 9.5 million vulnerable people in just one year.
The contributions were meant to mark the Year of Giving initiative launched by the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to encourage people to look beyond their everyday routine to see how they can make a positive impact on the individuals and communities around.
Dr Hamad Al Shaibani, director-general of the department, said they have launched nine different charity projects as part of the nationwide initiative.
"The initial budget of these nine pioneering charity projects were estimated at Dh40 million, but have far exceeded our expectations and hit more than Dh52 million.
"We have spent Dh52.057 million on these projects for the benefit of 9.521 million vulnerable people all over the country."
Dr Shaibani said they were so keen to get all the government departments, locally or federally, involved in the projects. "The door was also open for anyone to chip in and give as much as possible to mark the Year of Giving."
He said they furnished three houses under the first programme against Dh400,112 while the contributions provided during the department's 'Emirates Giving' radio programme stood at Dh19.73 million. "These were given to 422 people."
The other charity schemes launched this year included the 'Plants & Fruits' programme in which Dh2.63 million was spent on 2,323 beneficiaries, Dr Shaibani added.
"Up to Dh6 million was contributed to secure beds for 650 indigent patients, while Dh1.97 million was allotted for the emergency charity fund that supported 112 people this year."
Ahmed Al Muhairi, executive director of the charity sector at the department, said that over 9 million people were benefitted from the 'Feeding Food' programme, which spent Dh6.34 million.
The department has also spent Dh10.49 million for easing the suffering of 2,264 prisoners under the 'Easing Inmate Calamity' scheme, he stated.
"Up to Dh105,000 have been spent on 6,900 people to bring them happiness under the 'Eid Joy' programme, while Dh4.38 million was contributed to 1,227 people under the 'Science Chair' scheme."
Ahmed Shaaban Originally from Egypt, I have been in Dubai since December 2005. Before coming here, I worked as an English language instructor, chief En/Ar translator, proofreader, reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked as a reporter, correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media, Cairo University, 2014, a bachelor degree in English language and translation, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 1996, and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over 19 years of experience in translation, interpretation, EFL instruction, and reporting. I am interested in technology, aviation, politics, as well as community, parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading, writing, exercising, and surfing the web.
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