
Sunny Varkey, his family contribute AED 100 million to Fathers' Endowment campaign
DUBAI (ALETIHAD)Education entrepreneur and philanthropist Sunny Varkey, and his family — whose legacy spans over 65 years of transforming education globally — today announced a contribution of AED 100 million to the Fathers' Endowment campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The campaign honours fathers in the UAE by establishing a sustainable endowment fund to provide treatment and healthcare for the less fortunate.Operating under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the Fathers' Endowment campaign reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for promoting sustainable humanitarian and charitable work that utilizes community participation and innovative programs, while making every effort to assist people in underprivileged communities, empowering them to live with dignity and meet their basic needs, with a particular focus on providing sustainable healthcare.The Varkey family's contribution is part of a community-wide participation in the campaign from government entities, the private sector, businessmen and individuals, demonstrating exceptional solidarity. This highlights the role of Ramadan campaigns as a key global humanitarian movement, further solidifying the UAE's leading philanthropic role and its far-reaching global impact.The campaign honours fathers by allowing individuals to donate in their name, which helps promote the values of honouring parents, compassion, and solidarity, while reinforcing the concept of charitable endowments.Sunny Varkey, Founder and Executive Chairman of the GEMS Education Group, highlighted that the Father's Endowment campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, continues the UAE's long-standing tradition of generosity since the nation's founding, stressing that its positive impact has reached communities worldwide, bringing hope to those in need.Sunny Varkey said: 'I have been fortunate that I grew up in a family where charity was ingrained in us from a very early age. Since we moved to the UAE, my father made sure to share and engage with the community, supporting humanitarian initiatives and helping others. To this day, our underlying philosophy remains to prioritize giving.'Varkey added 'We are proud to participate in this noble initiative and to belong to the UAE community, where generosity and support for the needy are deeply ingrained, especially during Ramadan. The overwhelming support for the Fathers' Endowment campaign, aiming to provide sustainable healthcare, is a testament to this commitment.'Sunny Varkey has a long tradition of giving. He is an influential supporter of humanitarian and philanthropic initiatives, and an advocate of giving generously to positively change the lives of less fortunate people around the world. His achievements in education and philanthropy were recognized by the Indian Government, alongside international organizations and prestigious universities.The Fathers' Endowment campaign continues to welcome donations and contributions to the endowment fund from institutions and individuals across six main channels including the campaign's website (Fathersfund.ae), as well as a dedicated call center via the toll-free number (800 4999). Donations are also possible via bank transfers in the UAE dirham to the campaign bank account number with Emirates Islamic Bank (IBAN: AE020340003518492868201).Donations via SMS are possible by sending the word 'Father' to the following numbers (1034 to donate AED 10, 1035 to donate AED 50, 1036 to donate AED 100 and 1038 to donate AED 500) for Etisalat by e& and du users.
Other possible platforms for donating to the campaign are the DubaiNow app by clicking the 'Donations' tab, and Dubai's community contributions platform Jood (Jood.ae).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Sharjah 24
4 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
SIB holds first draw of 'Millionaire' campaign
Launched on July 1, 2025, and running until July 2026, the campaign will distribute prizes worth AED 20 million, reflecting SIB's commitment to rewarding customer loyalty and promoting a culture of saving and smart investing. The first draw was held at SIB's headquarters in the presence of representatives from the Sharjah Department of Economic Development, alongside a number of the Bank's executives and employees, in a celebratory atmosphere that underscored SIB's dedication to delighting customers and honouring their trust. Through the 'Millionaire 2025' Campaign, SIB reaffirms its ongoing commitment to supporting community-oriented saving habits. The campaign aligns with SIB's strategy to promote sound financial behaviour across all segments of society by offering smart saving solutions backed by tangible incentives. These efforts aim to help individuals build a more stable financial future while reinforcing SIB's pledge to launch large-scale savings campaigns that are substantial in both value and rewards. This approach reflects the Bank's mission to deliver exceptional banking experiences, reward loyalty, and encourage prudent investment, while recognizing customers' dedication to growing their savings safely and sustainably. AED 20 million in prizes The 'Millionaire' Campaign offers an impressive lineup of prizes totaling over AED 20 million to be awarded throughout the year.. The campaign features eight grand cash prizes of AED 1 million each, awarded quarterly, with four prizes dedicated to UAE nationals. It also celebrates national and religious occasions with four major seasonal prizes worth AED 2 million each. Beyond cash rewards, the campaign includes eight luxury BMW XM vehicles to be awarded through periodic draws, adding an exceptional incentive for participants. Additionally, monthly cash prizes ranging from AED 500 to AED 5,000 will be awarded to over 40 winners every month, significantly increasing participants' chances of winning. Cash prizes and BMW XM headline July draw During the first draw, SIB announced the names of the July winners, which included a variety of cash prizes: 25 participants won AED 500 each, 10 participants won AED 1,000 each, and 5 winners received AED 5,000 each. The highlight of the draw was the grand prize, a luxury BMW XM, awarded to Ms. Fida Hassan Ahmed, marking a strong start to the campaign and heightening anticipation for upcoming draws. Participation opportunities still open SIB invites all current and new customers to open savings accounts or increase their savings balances to ensure automatic entry into the upcoming draws and enjoy the many benefits of the account, such as easy access to funds, competitive profit rates, and valuable cash prize opportunities. To make participation accessible to everyone, the Bank offers flexible and convenient ways to open a savings account, through the SIB Digital app, by sending the word 'Millionaire' via SMS to 6667, through SIB's website, or by calling 065999999. For every ten thousand dirhams saved, customers earn an entry into the upcoming draws, making the savings account a practical gateway to achieving dreams and reinforcing SIB's position as a leading institution in the UAE banking sector.


Gulf Today
6 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Emiratis living in Hatta to get retail spaces in Sustainable Waterfalls project free of charge for a year
Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Supreme Committee for the Development of Hatta has launched 14 new investment and commercial opportunities at the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project. These opportunities, offered through Dubai Municipality, aim to empower local citizens, creating job opportunities, and supporting sustainable economic and social development in the region. All retail spaces at the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls will be allocated to Emiratis residing in Hatta, free of charge, for a one-year period — providing a springboard for small businesses and productive families to grow within one of the UAE's most scenic and culturally rich destinations. The initiative supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the Hatta Development Master Plan, and the objectives of the Supreme Committee for the Development of Hatta by creating investment opportunities for citizens. It also supports both the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aim to position Dubai among the world's top three cities for tourism, while fostering inclusive economic development and environmental sustainability. Spanning a total area of 750 square metres, the new investment opportunities include: four restaurants, four retail stores and six food and beverage kiosks. The spaces will offer a variety of experiences including Emirati, Arabic, Western, and traditional cuisine, as well as local cafes, equipment rentals, and souvenir and gift shops. These projects aim to stimulate tourism, support local culture, and promote economic self-sufficiency for Hatta residents. Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said, 'For the first time, investment and commercial opportunities are being introduced in the Hatta Dam area, specifically at the Sustainable Waterfalls. This marks a significant step in strengthening the local economy and empowering Emirati entrepreneurs. The initiative creates a supportive business environment that generates unique job opportunities for citizens, fosters new projects, and enables productive families and residents to expand their small businesses. These opportunities will drive Hatta's economic development and open the door for a new generation of entrepreneurs to grow their ventures.' Dubai Municipality invites all citizens residing in Hatta to submit applications at Selection will be based on clear eligibility criteria set by the evaluation committee. The Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls is a major tourist attraction within the Hatta Dam area. It features cascading water from the upper dam of the Hatta Hydroelectric Plant flowing over a mosaic mural — the largest of its kind in the world — depicting the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The mural spans 2,199 square metres and comprises over 1.2 million pieces of natural marble. WAM


Al Etihad
8 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Supreme Committee for Development of Hatta launches 14 new investment opportunities for citizens at Sustainable Waterfalls project
17 Aug 2025 13:45 DUBAI (WAM)Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, the Supreme Committee for the Development of Hatta has launched 14 new investment and commercial opportunities at the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls opportunities, offered through Dubai Municipality, aim to empower local citizens, creating job opportunities and supporting sustainable economic and social development in the retail spaces at the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls will be allocated to Emiratis residing in Hatta, free of charge, for a one-year period — providing a springboard for small businesses and productive families to grow within one of the UAE's most scenic and culturally rich initiative supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the Hatta Development Master Plan, and the objectives of the Supreme Committee for the Development of Hatta by creating investment opportunities for citizens. It also supports both the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aim to position Dubai among the world's top three cities for tourism, while fostering inclusive economic development and environmental a total area of 750 square metres, the new investment opportunities include: four restaurants, four retail stores, and six food and beverage spaces will offer a variety of experiences, including Emirati, Arabic, Western, and traditional cuisine, as well as local cafes, equipment rentals, and souvenir and gift projects aim to stimulate tourism, support local culture, and promote economic self-sufficiency for Hatta of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, Bader Anwahi, said, 'For the first time, investment and commercial opportunities are being introduced in the Hatta Dam area, specifically at the Sustainable Waterfalls. This marks a significant step in strengthening the local economy and empowering Emirati entrepreneurs. The initiative creates a supportive business environment that generates unique job opportunities for citizens, fosters new projects, and enables productive families and residents to expand their small businesses. These opportunities will drive Hatta's economic development and open the door for a new generation of entrepreneurs to grow their ventures.'Dubai Municipality invites all citizens residing in Hatta to submit applications at Selection will be based on clear eligibility criteria set by the evaluation Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls are a major tourist attraction within the Hatta Dam area. It features cascading water from the upper dam of the Hatta Hydroelectric Plant flowing over a mosaic mural — the largest of its kind in the world — depicting the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The mural spans 2,199 square metres and comprises over 1.2 million pieces of natural marble.