UAE President declares 2017 as the ‘Year of Giving’

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared 2017 as the ‘Year of Giving’ in the country.

The initiative will focus on three main pillars: creating a sense of community responsibility in the private sector; enhancing the spirit of volunteering and encouraging specialised volunteer programmes; and instilling loyalty and commitment in the next generations to serve their country, official news agency WAM reported.

Sheikh Zhalifa said the UAE is “known for its philanthropic activities and helping the less fortunate worldwide.”

He also emphasised that the UAE has made great strides in charitable and philanthropic work and that it is necessary to open people up to the notion of giving back to society.

UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum directed the establishment of a framework to implement the ‘Year of Giving’, set out targets, draft federal and local initiatives, coordinate volunteer works, and promote a culture of social responsibility.

Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that the programmes and initiatives will target the private sector in particular.

The initiative sends a message of love, tolerance and hope from the UAE leaders and its people to the region and the entire world, he added.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also praised the initiative, saying: “In the UAE, we are combining our efforts in generous giving and remain united to achieve one goal – sowing the seeds of giving to promote happiness for all humanity.

“The Year of Giving is being embraced by the UAE as a continuous approach to promoting the values of volunteering and community responsibility so as to bolster cohesion and solidarity of society. This approach inspires a roadmap for a state that was founded on the principles of promoting generous giving and human dignity and establishing the values of tolerance and coo-operation,” he stated.

“Strong states that strengthen their international presence establish their thoughts and approaches on human principles including philanthropy and love for all humanity,” he added.

The UAE observed 2016 as the ‘Year of Reading’, as part of which over 1,500 reading initiatives were launched. The country also issued the National Reading Law and announced the launch of the Dhs1bn Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library in Dubai.