Business keen to back better standards


  • English
  • Arabic

DUBAI // Pakistani businessmen say they would financially support ailing schools if the schools would commit to improving their quality of education.

Mobisher Rabbani, a Dubai-based Pakistani businessman and philanthropist, said schools needed to become more professional in their approach to garner funds.

"The first thing they must do is set out a proper business proposal telling the donor what the money will be used for," he said.

According to Mr Rabbani, the Pakistani school owners are not professional enough in their approach.

"They just ask for money and do not really explain what and how it will be used," he said.

"Donors want to be sure the money they give will be spent in the right way, and benefit those who need it most."

Syed Faraz Ahmed, another businessman who runs a financial services company in Dubai, said the community was "always willing to help but hadn't been approached by any operator".

He agreed that there needed to be an open and transparent process where donors could see where their money was being spent.

Many philanthropists support individual pupils.

Rizwan Fancy, the community welfare officer at the Pakistan Association of Dubai, said the philanthropy supports low-income families. "We help pay the tuition for pupils in these schools," he said.

He said the association would consider any request for funding made by Pakistani schools in Dubai.

Mr Rabbani said any help to the school was in the best interest of society.

"These schools provide a crucial service for people who have low incomes," he said.

"They are the only option for many people who can't afford other schools, and without them many would be without an education."

The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

MATCH INFO

Osasuna 1 Real Madrid 4
Osasuna: García (14')
Real Madrid: Isco (33'), Ramos (38'), Vázquez (84'), Jovic (90' 2)

What is Reform?

Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.

It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.

Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.

After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.

Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.

The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.

The%20Boy%20and%20the%20Heron
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EHayao%20Miyazaki%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A0Soma%20Santoki%2C%20Masaki%20Suda%2C%20Ko%20Shibasaki%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

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