Latest news with #YearofGiving
Al Etihad
17-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
'UAE Year Of' initiative marks 10 years of collective action, impact
17 Apr 2025 16:57 ABU DHABI (WAM)For the past decade, the 'UAE Year Of' initiative has brought the nation together under a shared vision—fostering national values, strengthening social bonds, and sparking collective momentum. Each year, a distinct theme inspires individuals, organisations, and institutions to shape a thriving and more inclusive storytelling, community-driven initiatives, and cross-sector partnerships, the 'UAE Year Of' encourages all who call the UAE home to engage meaningfully—raising awareness, catalysing change, and advancing impact across environmental, health, social, and economic its inception in 2015, the 'UAE Year Of' themes have shaped societal values, encouraged sustainability, and driven social 2015, the Year of Innovation focused on fostering innovation and cutting-edge research. The following year, 2016 was declared the Year of Reading, cultivating knowledge and lifelong learning. In 2017, the Year of Giving encouraged philanthropy and social responsibility, while 2018 was the Year of Zayed, honouring the UAE's founding father's 2019 Year of Tolerance promoted cultural understanding and inclusivity. In 2020, the Year of Preparation for the Next 50 laid the foundation for the UAE's future, followed by 2021, the Year of the 50th, which celebrated the UAE's golden jubilee. Most recently, 2023 and 2024 have been marked as the Year of Sustainability, driving environmental and social responsibility and action.2025 was declared the Year of Community by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting the essential role of community bonds, collective skill development and community-driven initiatives in building a more inclusive and united Al Falasi, Project Lead at the Year of Community, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, "The UAE Year Of initiative has always been a reflection of our collective aspirations, shaping the way we come together to create lasting impact. Each year builds on the next, reinforcing the values that define us and ensuring that we continue to evolve as a society—one that is connected, engaged, and empowered."Al Falasi also underscored the importance of the Year of Community, highlighting, "Our greatest strength lies in the bonds we nurture, the support we extend to one another, and the contributions we make toward a thriving future for all."Under the slogan hand-in-hand, the Year of Community is a call to action for all sectors of society—families, government entities, private organisations, non-profit organisations, "third sector", and individuals—to play an active role in shaping a more inclusive and connected addition, the Year of Community aims to inspire a culture of empowerment—where people are encouraged to support one another's growth by exchanging skills, ideas, and knowledge. By fostering opportunities for learning and collaboration, the initiative aims to cultivate an environment where everyone feels inspired and supported to contribute to long-term, inclusive Falasi highlighted the invitation to all sectors to participate with the Year Of Community."The success of the Year of Community depends on collective action. Government entities have the power to foster social connections and encourage public participation, while the private sector can strengthen corporate social responsibility and empower employees to volunteer, creating opportunities for skill development," he the role of non-profit organisations and the public, Al Falasi added, "Non-profit organisations also play a crucial role in driving community-led initiatives, connecting people through shared causes, and advocating for meaningful social impact. By volunteering and supporting local causes, the public can foster an inclusive environment within homes and their neighbourhoods.""Every sector has a role to play—by working together, we can build a more connected, engaged, and thriving society," Al Falasi added. The Partner's Toolkit for the Public, Private, and Non-profit Organisations (Third Sector) are available on the official Year of Community website to provide support for stakeholders in aligning their initiatives and activations with this year's theme. Year of Community Continue full coverage
The National
28-03-2025
- Business
- The National
Sheikh Mohammed announces Fathers' Endowment campaign total of more than Dh3.72 billion
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai has revealed that a Ramadan campaign to help those in need has raised more than Dh3.72 billion ($1.01 billion) in donations. The Fathers' Endowment campaign was created to provide 'treatment and health care to the poor and needy'. The figure was reached thanks to the contributions of 277,000 donors. 'As Ramadan concludes in the Year of Community, our society has demonstrated remarkable cohesion and solidarity in its dedication to humanitarian causes, embodying the values of giving and generosity,' said Sheikh Mohammed. 'The unprecedented success of the Fathers' Endowment campaign, with broad participation from institutions, businesses and individuals, underscores the unwavering commitment of the UAE, its leadership and people, to unity in doing good and inspiring hope for all.' The figure reached as Ramadan draws to an end shows the UAE is united in love and generosity, said Sheikh Mohammed who added he was delighted by the overwhelming community support 'in honour of fathers who remain the pillars of strength and stability for families and societies'. 'The Fathers' Endowment is a new success amplifying the UAE's mission of championing solidarity in the face of humanitarian challenges, and adopting sustainability as the foundation of impactful philanthropy,' he said. The campaign, reaching Dh3.72 billion in just one month during the Year of Giving, powerfully demonstrates the UAE's deeply ingrained values of generosity, solidarity, and family unity, added Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. Supporting healthcare remains a top priority for MBRGI, given its vital role in improving lives, said Mr Al Gergawi, who stated the organisation strives to elevate healthcare standards for diverse groups in disadvantaged communities. Among the many donations was one for Dh3 billion from Azizi Developments which was made at the end of February. It was said by Dubai Media Office to be the largest individual private sector contribution in UAE history. On Thursday, The National reported how Sunny Varkey, founder of Gems Education, and his family had donated Dh100 million to the campaign. The initiative, which coincides with Ramadan, was inspired by the role fathers play in society. People in the UAE have been encouraged to make donations in the name of their father. It was announced earlier this month the campaign had already raised more than Dh3.3 billion – more than three times its initial target. The Fathers' Endowment campaign is the latest initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed to mark the holy month each year. The Mothers' Endowment campaign was introduced last year to mark Ramadan. It aimed to support the education of millions around the world raising at least Dh1 billion. It surpassed that goal, reaching more than Dh1.4 billion. Previous campaigns launched to mark Ramadan include the 10 Million Meals initiative of 2020, which secured more than 15.3 million meals for communities affected by the pandemic. The 100 Million Meals campaign was launched in 2021, collecting 220 million meals for vulnerable groups, while the 1 Billion Meals of 2022 achieved its goal in less than a month. In 2023, the 1 Billion Meals Endowment raised Dh1.075 billion.
