Salama Al Ameemi, director general of the Authority for Social Contribution, outlined her vision for a more inclusive society. Satish Kumar for The National
Salama Al Ameemi, director general of the Authority for Social Contribution, outlined her vision for a more inclusive society. Satish Kumar for The National
Salama Al Ameemi, director general of the Authority for Social Contribution, outlined her vision for a more inclusive society. Satish Kumar for The National
Salama Al Ameemi, director general of the Authority for Social Contribution, outlined her vision for a more inclusive society. Satish Kumar for The National

Government

Abu Dhabi launches community drive to 'enrich lives' in Golden Jubilee year

Authority of Social Contribution, known as Ma’an, was formed to foster a more selfless society

The National

April 05, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Abu Dhabi pledged to bring its multicultural community together in celebration of the UAE’s milestone Golden Jubilee this year.

The emirate’s Authority of Social Contribution, known as Ma’an, laid out its vision to bolster social inclusion in 2021 and deliver a helping hand to those less fortunate.

The authority will introduce a number of initiatives aimed at forging an even greater sense of community spirit among those who call Abu Dhabi home.

Work will include fundraising for the National Programme for Organs and Tissue Donation and a campaign to support orphans in the capital.

UAE gears up for Year of the 50th:

The Founding President, Sheikh Zayed raises the flag at Union House in Dubai, December 2, 1971, marking the unification of the UAE. Courtesy: Al Ittihad
The Founding President, Sheikh Zayed raises the flag at Union House in Dubai, December 2, 1971, marking the unification of the UAE. Courtesy: Al Ittihad
The UAE dirham was launched in 1973. Pawan Singh / The National
The UAE dirham was launched in 1973. Pawan Singh / The National
Sheikh Zayed and Queen Elizabeth II at the 1979 inauguration of Le Meridien Abu Dhabi. During the visit, the Queen also inaugurated Dubai World Trade Centre. Courtesy: Le Meridien
Sheikh Zayed and Queen Elizabeth II at the 1979 inauguration of Le Meridien Abu Dhabi. During the visit, the Queen also inaugurated Dubai World Trade Centre. Courtesy: Le Meridien
Abu Dhabi Airport, pictured here in 2015 and designed by French architect Paul Andreu. It opened in 1982 and replaced Al Bateen. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Airports
Abu Dhabi Airport, pictured here in 2015 and designed by French architect Paul Andreu. It opened in 1982 and replaced Al Bateen. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Airports
Emirates' first flight took off on October 25, 1985, to the Pakistani city of Karachi. Aviation would never be the same again.
Emirates' first flight took off on October 25, 1985, to the Pakistani city of Karachi. Aviation would never be the same again.
The UAE football team at Giuseppe Meazza stadium in San Siro, Italy, before their World Cup Group D first round match with West Germany in 1990. It was the first time the UAE appeared at the tournament. AFP
The UAE football team at Giuseppe Meazza stadium in San Siro, Italy, before their World Cup Group D first round match with West Germany in 1990. It was the first time the UAE appeared at the tournament. AFP
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed, Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Rashid was known as the father of modern Dubai and passed away in 1990. Keystone Features / Hulton Archive / Getty Images
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed, Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Rashid was known as the father of modern Dubai and passed away in 1990. Keystone Features / Hulton Archive / Getty Images
Sheikh Zayed reviews UAE troops who took part in Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait, 1991. Courtesy: Al Ittihad
Sheikh Zayed reviews UAE troops who took part in Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait, 1991. Courtesy: Al Ittihad
The Burj Al Arab being built in January 1996. The hotel opened a few years later.
The Burj Al Arab being built in January 1996. The hotel opened a few years later.
Police control crowds at the funeral for Sheikh Zayed in 2004. Rabih Moghrabi / AFP
Police control crowds at the funeral for Sheikh Zayed in 2004. Rabih Moghrabi / AFP
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was completed in 2007. Ali Hassan / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was completed in 2007. Ali Hassan / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
Burj Khalifa a year before it opened in 2010. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National
Burj Khalifa a year before it opened in 2010. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the UAE delegates celebrate winning the Expo 2020 bid for Dubai in Paris in 2013. Antoine Antoniol / Getty Images
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the UAE delegates celebrate winning the Expo 2020 bid for Dubai in Paris in 2013. Antoine Antoniol / Getty Images
Pope Francis arrives to lead a mass at Zayed Sport City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, 2019. It was the first papal visit to the country. EPA
Pope Francis arrives to lead a mass at Zayed Sport City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, 2019. It was the first papal visit to the country. EPA
Hundreds of thousands of people attended the mass. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Hundreds of thousands of people attended the mass. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces celebrate with staff at Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre after Hope enters the orbit of Mars in February, 2021. Rashid Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces celebrate with staff at Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre after Hope enters the orbit of Mars in February, 2021. Rashid Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

The efforts coincide with the country’s Year of the 50th, declared by President Sheikh Khalifa, which will run from Tuesday until March 31 next year.

“In the space of two years, we have taken big strides forward in achieving excellent results when it comes to creating social impact and it is imperative we build on this platform, beginning now in what is an important year for the whole of the UAE with the Year of the 50th celebrations,” said Salama Al Ameemi, director general of Ma’an.

“Based on the findings from the United Nations Economic and Social Council report, the UAE has the highest demographic diversity in the world at 87 per cent and with Abu Dhabi becoming increasingly diverse, the importance of fostering social inclusion will grow.”

Ma’an was established in 2019 by the Department of Community Development and came to the fore last year to support those hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

It organised a humanitarian campaign in May to deliver 100,000 food baskets to people struggling due to the financial fallout of the outbreak.

“Through our programmes that we will launch this year, we aim to bring everyone together and give every Abu Dhabi resident from different walks of life an opportunity to be part of making a meaningful difference and feel valued and respected at the same time,” Ms Al Ameemi said.

“We have seen how government, private and third-sector organisations have stepped up in times of need and these collaborative efforts have so far helped strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position to work and live in. With a more socially inclusive society, we can help raise everyone’s standard of living and enrich lives economically as well as socially and culturally.”

Ma’an has created an online community through Let’s Connect, a 10-week virtual programme which uses social media focused on health, business and coaching, community and the arts.

Through social investments, it is hoped the programmes will foster community engagement, create volunteering opportunities and encourage a culture of participation and giving.

Since its launch, Ma’an has identified and forged strategic partnerships with organisations in the government, private and third sectors.

More than 15,000 people, including some with disabilities, have benefited from services and products created by 45 teams, and a group of students of determination are undertaking an employment programme.

Ma’an has also created a number of volunteering opportunities, such as its Journey of Generations programme, which is focused on young people spending time with senior citizens.

Last year, more than 400,000 people benefitted from basic support such as food, education and medical aid as part of the Together We Are Good programme. It received more than Dh1 billion worth of in-kind and financial contributions from Abu Dhabi communities.

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20NOTHING%20PHONE%20(2A)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7-inch%20flexible%20Amoled%2C%202%2C412%20x%201%2C080%2C%20394ppi%2C%20120Hz%2C%20Corning%20Gorilla%20Glass%205%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MediaTek%20Dimensity%207%2C200%20Pro%2C%204nm%2C%20octa-core%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F12GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECapacity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20128%2F256GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Android%2014%2C%20Nothing%20OS%202.5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%2050MP%20main%2C%20f%2F1.88%20%2B%2050MP%20ultra-wide%2C%20f%2F2.2%3B%20OIS%2C%20EIS%2C%20auto-focus%2C%20ultra%20XDR%2C%20night%20mode%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%20video%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%20%40%2030fps%2C%20full-HD%20%40%2060fps%3B%20slo-mo%20full-HD%20at%20120fps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2032MP%20wide%2C%20f%2F2.2%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205%2C000mAh%3B%2050%25%20in%2030%20minutes%20with%2045-watt%20charger%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Google%20Pay)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBiometrics%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Fingerprint%2C%20face%20unlock%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20USB-C%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDurability%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20IP54%2C%20limited%20protection%20from%20water%2Fdust%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECards%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual-nano%20SIM%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Black%2C%20milk%2C%20white%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nothing%20Phone%20(2a)%2C%20USB-C-to-USB-C%20cable%2C%20pre-applied%20screen%20protector%2C%20Sim%20tray%20ejector%20tool%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%20(UAE)%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh1%2C199%20(8GB%2F128GB)%20%2F%20Dh1%2C399%20(12GB%2F256GB)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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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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The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Look%20Both%20Ways
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Wanuri%20Kahiu%3Cbr%3EStars%3A%20Lili%20Reinhart%2C%20Danny%20Ramirez%2C%20David%20Corenswet%2C%20Luke%20Wilson%2C%20Nia%20Long%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder MHEV

Power: 360bhp

Torque: 500Nm

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Price: from Dh282,870

On sale: now

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UAE squad

Humaira Tasneem (c), Chamani Senevirathne (vc), Subha Srinivasan, NIsha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Esha Oza, Ishani Senevirathne, Heena Hotchandani, Keveesha Kumari, Judith Cleetus, Chavi Bhatt, Namita D’Souza.

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

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Engine: 3.5-litre V6

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 290hp

Torque: 340Nm

Price: Dh155,800

On sale: now

Shooting Ghosts: A U.S. Marine, a Combat Photographer, and Their Journey Back from War by Thomas J. Brennan and Finbarr O’Reilly

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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

CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Enterprise-grade%20security%20and%20privacy%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Unlimited%20higher-speed%20GPT-4%20access%20with%20no%20caps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Longer%20context%20windows%20for%20processing%20longer%20inputs%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Advanced%20data%20analysis%20capabilities%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Customisation%20options%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Shareable%20chat%20templates%20that%20companies%20can%20use%20to%20collaborate%20and%20build%20common%20workflows%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Analytics%20dashboard%20for%20usage%20insights%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Free%20credits%20to%20use%20OpenAI%20APIs%20to%20extend%20OpenAI%20into%20a%20fully-custom%20solution%20for%20enterprises%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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THE%20SWIMMERS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESally%20El-Hosaini%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENathalie%20Issa%2C%20Manal%20Issa%2C%20Ahmed%20Malek%20and%20Ali%20Suliman%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog

Name: Atheja Ali Busaibah

Date of birth: 15 November, 1951

Favourite books: Ihsan Abdel Quddous books, such as “The Sun will Never Set”

Hobbies: Reading and writing poetry

PROFILE OF INVYGO

Started: 2018

Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo

Based: Dubai

Sector: Transport

Size: 9 employees

Investment: $1,275,000

Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri

Libya's Gold

UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves. 

The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.

Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.

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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Countries recognising Palestine

France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra

 

Results

STAGE

1 . Filippo Ganna (Ineos) - 0:13:56

2. Stefan Bissegger (Education-Nippo) - 0:00:14

3. Mikkel Bjerg (UAE Team Emirates) - 0:00:21

4. Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) - 0:00:24

5. Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) - 0:00:30

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

1. Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) - 4:00:05

2. Joao Almeida (QuickStep) - 0:00:05

3. Mattia Cattaneo (QuickStep) - 0:00:18

4. Chris Harper (Jumbo-Visma) - 0:00:33

5. Adam Yates (Ineos) - 0:00:39

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The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Don't get fined

The UAE FTA requires following to be kept:

  • Records of all supplies and imports of goods and services
  • All tax invoices and tax credit notes
  • Alternative documents related to receiving goods or services
  • All tax invoices and tax credit notes
  • Alternative documents issued
  • Records of goods and services that have been disposed of or used for matters not related to business
The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

UAEUAE At 50