DUBAI // From helping the elderly to encouraging young people to volunteer, more than 1,000 charity initiatives are to be launched across the country as part of the Year of Giving.
The Higher National Committee for the Year of Giving, which was launched by President Sheikh Khalifa and is dedicated to the memory of UAE martyrs, announced on Monday that each of the seven emirates would have its own programmes.
Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, said that Year of Giving initiatives would take place nationwide based on a timeline set by each emirate.
“These initiatives and programmes will take place throughout the year,” said Mr Al Gergawi, who is head of the committee. “Some initiatives will be active and charity based, others will be in the sense of new systems and laws.
“[Founding Father] Sheikh Zayed built this nation based on giving, love and goodness. Today, every emirate will launch its own initiatives to honour our martyrs and in line with our national strategy. Martyrdom is the greatest sacrifice anyone can offer.”
Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon, director of the Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Court of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, said that the initiatives would reflect the UAE’s humanitarian values.
“This not only reflects the good relationship among those in society but also between the people and their government leaders,” he said. “Our country will be a role model for humanity and represent an honourable picture to the world.”
Ahmed Al Mazrouei, secretary general of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, said the capital would launch 247 Year of Giving programmes involving public and private enterprises.
“We have six strategic goals, the most important of which is encouraging volunteerism and raising awareness of the importance of volunteering among the youth,” he said.
“Abu Dhabi’s government reiterates its commitment to doing good and giving, and this has been the case since its establishment 50 years ago.”
Abdullah Al Shibani, representing Dubai, said the emirate would launch 375 initiatives, including covering the medical costs of 3,000 people to the tune of Dh265 million.
“Many departments raced to provide programmes and initiatives to promote charity and humanitarian work, which will further develop existing mechanisms and shed light on challenges in certain sectors,” he said. “One of the initiatives, Forgiveness is Good, by the public prosecution, will help to resolve family issues and protect children.”
Representing Sharjah, Sultan Al Muheiri said 56 initiatives, including volunteers offering to renovate old homes for those in need, will take place this year.
“Sharjah was and still is a front runner in doing good, and this year will be no different as we renew and increase the number of initiatives,” he said.
Saeed Al Matroushi, from Ajman, said that the emirate’s vision for 2021 was in line with the Year of Giving.
“The initiative Duty of Charity will comprise services for the elderly, and will have volunteers working with government departments,” he said. “We also want to stress the importance of keeping a green environment by launching initiatives that highlight environmental and societal sustainability.”
Ras Al Khaimah plans to have 337 initiatives, while Fujairah will have 188 and Umm Al Quwain’s Hamid Al Shamsi said that the emirate hopes to get young people volunteering to help the elderly in hospitals. “Other initiatives will include transporting the elderly and those with disabilities to recreational spaces, such as gardens and malls,” he said.
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae