• 1 August 2012

Dubai Cares last night held a special ceremony presided over by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to celebrate the UAE-based philanthropic organization’s fifth anniversary and extend its gratitude to the UAE community for its generous support over the years.

The first five year anniversary celebration, held at Madinat Jumeirah, was attended by a large contingent of individuals and organizations from both the public and private sectors who have lent their valuable support to Dubai Cares since its launch by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid in 2007. In addition, prominent local media personalities attended the event. A special recognition ceremony was also held as part of the evening, with awards of appreciation presented to over 40 distinguished individuals and organizations in attendance.

Addressing the gathering at the event, HE Reem Al Hashimy, Chairperson of Dubai Cares, said: “In only five years, Dubai Cares has come a long way. Not only are we now reaching over 7 million children in 28 developing countries with our integrated development programs, we are also acting as a convener, bringing together reputable international organizations in primary education. The UAE community has played and, we hope, will continue to play an integral role in Dubai Cares’ mission – it is thanks to their support that Dubai Cares is able to do what is has done and it is their dedication to the cause that has inspired Dubai Cares to achieve higher goals.”

Her Excellency added: “Dubai Cares owes its success to the long-term vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, who instilled in us a sense of responsibility to those around us that are in need and who deserve a life of peace and prosperity.

”Commenting on the occasion of the fifth anniversary event, Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares, said: “Our journey has been a remarkable one, marked no doubt by many challenges but also marked by many achievements and rewards, as we continue to work towards providing children in developing countries with access to quality primary education. We remain confident in the face of these and future challenges. With the support of the UAE community and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, we will continue to work with our international partners in coming up with innovative and practical solutions to pressing global development challenges.

”Every Ramadan, Dubai Cares launches a special campaign. In 2011, Dubai Cares launched a campaign to build awareness of the gender inequality in primary education globally and raise funds to support its girls' education programs.

To mark its fifth anniversary this year, Dubai Cares has launched a campaign to extend its thanks to the UAE community for its support over the years. In addition to last night’s special ceremony, this year’s campaign includes a number of special activities including “Tree of Light”, an in-mall activity at The Dubai Mall Star Atrium running throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Since its launch in 2007, Dubai Cares has implemented integrated primary education programs that are reaching more than 7 million children in 28 developing countries. Program activities include building and renovating over 1,500 schools and classrooms; providing more than 1,000 water wells and potable water sources and constructing over 3,000 latrines in schools; providing nutritious food everyday to more than 490,000 children in schools; keeping more than 1.5 million children free from intestinal worms through its de-worming activities; distributing over 2 million books written in local languages; establishing over 6,600 Parent-Teacher Associations; and training over 23,000 teachers.

For better web experience, please use the website in portrait mode