The Arab world has long been known for its traditions of charitable giving, deeply rooted in its cultural and religious fabric. Yet the Covid-19 pandemic brought about a shift in philanthropic practices, underscoring the need for more strategic approaches to address our region’s complex challenges.
As the world navigates a geo-economic and geo-social inflection point, the UAE has emerged as a beacon of hope, poised to lead the charge in shaping the future of philanthropy within and from the global growth markets across Asia and Africa.
Starting today, Abu Dhabi is hosting the three-day Asian Venture Philanthropy Network Global Conference 2024. This is the first such conference in West Asia that brings together social investors, philanthropists, corporations, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and implementing organisations from around the world to work towards greater collaborative action for accelerating impact. It reflects the UAE’s commitment to convene and facilitate global multi-stakeholder conversations in a world that is confronting a confluence of crises.
One of the driving forces behind the UAE’s rise as a philanthropic hub is the wider region’s shifting demographics and generational wealth transfer. Asia and Africa today make up almost 80 per cent of the world’s population and global youth, and a majority of the global economy.
The UAE is taking proactive steps to build the necessary infrastructure to support strategic philanthropy
Within these regions, $26 trillion is expected to be transferred across generations in the coming two decades, resulting in a growing pool of resources available for philanthropic endeavours. Moreover, the rise of a new generation of digitally savvy donors is reshaping the landscape of giving, demanding greater accountability, transparency, and measurement of impact from the projects and organisations they give to.
A global survey by Alliance, a non-profit publication that analyses trends in the charitable sector, revealed that 89 per cent of respondents believed that Africa and Asia, including the Middle East, will see the highest growth in its philanthropic giving over the next 25 years.
Technological innovations have played a crucial role in democratising philanthropy and enhancing its effectiveness. Digital tools and online platforms have made giving more accessible, while emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital currencies hold the potential to revolutionise philanthropic practices. The UAE, with its advanced technological infrastructure and burgeoning innovation economy, is uniquely positioned to harness technology for positive social and environmental outcomes across growth markets.
Further, the UAE is taking proactive steps to build the necessary infrastructure to support strategic philanthropy.
The establishment by President Sheikh Mohamed of the UAE’s International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council reflects a clear commitment to realising this objective. Chaired by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, the Council is expected to oversee the policy agenda for international humanitarian and philanthropic affairs and develop the future vision and implementation frameworks for enhanced outcomes across this domain.
Local initiatives such as the Pearl Initiative’s Governance in Philanthropy programme in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, and NYU Abu Dhabi’s Strategic Philanthropy Initiative are equipping philanthropists with the knowledge and resources needed to maximise their impact. By fostering collaboration between all stakeholders and promoting best practices, these developments are laying the groundwork for a thriving philanthropic ecosystem in the UAE and beyond.
The role of business in advancing philanthropy cannot be understated, especially as we strive to generate a multiplier effect through public-business-philanthropy partnerships.
In the UAE, corporate giving has traditionally been generous, however there is a growing recognition among business leaders of the importance of aligning social goals with business objectives. By collaborating with non-profit organisations to better understand social and environmental priorities, businesses can enhance the positive impact their business models have on society. Equally, as philanthropies look to embracing technology, data analysis and finer measurement of outcomes, better collaboration with business clearly presents an opportunity for growth.
To mainstream strategic philanthropy and unlock its full catalytic potential, it is essential to proactively address any potential barriers for the sector to thrive. Governments play a crucial role in creating enabling environments for philanthropy through supportive legislative frameworks and regulatory systems. In turn, non-profit organisations must embrace transparency and accountability as sources of competitive advantage, while donors must take an active interest in where their charitable funds are being allocated and the impact they are generating.
As the UAE emerges as hub for philanthropy, it has the opportunity to lead by example and inspire others to embrace frameworks that nurture the practice of strategic philanthropy. By harnessing the power of technology, fostering collaboration between stakeholders, and promoting a culture of transparency and accountability, the UAE is poised to drive positive change in the sector and make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions around the world.
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday
AC Milan v Sampdoria (2.30pm kick-off UAE)
Atalanta v Udinese (5pm)
Benevento v Parma (5pm)
Cagliari v Hellas Verona (5pm)
Genoa v Fiorentina (5pm)
Lazio v Spezia (5pm)
Napoli v Crotone (5pm)
Sassuolo v Roma (5pm)
Torino v Juventus (8pm)
Bologna v Inter Milan (10.45pm)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
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TALE OF THE TAPE
Manny Pacquiao
Record: 59-6-2 (38 KOs)
Age: 38
Weight: 146lbs
Height: 166cm
Reach: 170cm
Jeff Horn
Record: 16-0-1 (11 KOs)
Age: 29
Weight: 146.2lbs
Height: 175cm
Reach: 173cm
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Essentials
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Los Angeles, from Dh4,975 return, including taxes. The flight time is 16 hours. Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico and Southwest all fly direct from Los Angeles to San Jose del Cabo from Dh1,243 return, including taxes. The flight time is two-and-a-half hours.
The trip
Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic’s eight-day Whales Wilderness itinerary costs from US$6,190 (Dh22,736) per person, twin share, including meals, accommodation and excursions, with departures in March and April 2018.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The five pillars of Islam
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World%20Cup%202023%20ticket%20sales
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Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
The specs: Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Price, base: Dh1 million (estimate)
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 563hp @ 5,000rpm
Torque: 850Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 15L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
BANGLADESH SQUAD
Mashrafe Mortaza (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper), Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan (vice captain), Mohammad Mithun, Sabbir Rahaman, Mosaddek Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Jayed (Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Ultra processed foods
- Carbonated drinks, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged breads and buns
- margarines and spreads; cookies, biscuits, pastries, cakes, and cake mixes, breakfast cereals, cereal and energy bars;
- energy drinks, milk drinks, fruit yoghurts and fruit drinks, cocoa drinks, meat and chicken extracts and instant sauces
- infant formulas and follow-on milks, health and slimming products such as powdered or fortified meal and dish substitutes,
- many ready-to-heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets and sticks, sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and other reconstituted meat products, powdered and packaged instant soups, noodles and desserts.
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
