DUBAI- Emaar Properties today announced an additional contribution of AED62 million to Sandooq Al Watan, the philanthropic fund set up by Emirati entrepreneurs and the private sector to boost social entrepreneurship and nurture UAE youth talents.

One of the largest contributors to Sandooq Al Watan, Emaar had earlier contributed AED84 million, taking its total monetary commitment for the national initiative to AED146 million from 2016 to 2017.

Sandooq Al Watan has been instituted to achieve the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Maktoum Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to prepare the nation for the post-oil era by nurturing national talents, promoting social enterprises, and building a sustainable knowledge-based economy.

The additional contribution further underlines Emaars support to the #Year of Giving announced UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the national-level priorities announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to promote a culture of volunteering and to boost private sector participation in nurturing young talents.

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, announced the additional contribution at a press conference today in Dubai, attended by Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Chairman of Sandooq Al Watan, and other senior officials.

Alabbar said, "The private sector has benefited tremendously from governmental support, and it is time for us to give back to our nation. As we prepare for the post-oil era, it is essential to invest in our countrys most powerful resource our youth."Lieutenant General Tamim congratulated Emaar Properties on its generous support and efforts to provide a brighter future for the coming generations.

He thanked Emaar for providing the right environment for Sandooq Al Watan to achieve its objectives and strategic plans to empower national talent and encourage applied research that will drive progress and prosperity, and build a sustainable knowledge economy for future generations.

"Emaar is a model for success and has set a proud example of corporate social responsibility by investing in creating a better future for our country and providing the highest levels of prosperity for our community," Tamim concluded.



Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.