Manama- Bahrain, 15 March 2015

VIVA Bahrain unveiled 'Fereej VIVA', its newest corporate social responsibility initiative under 'VIVA Jusoor', with the first project to be deployed in partnership with the Ministry of Housing. The unveiling was attended by H.E Eng. Basim Bin Yacob Al Hamar, Minister of Housing and Eng. Ulaiyan Bin Mohammed Al Wetaid, VIVA's Chief Executive Officer.

'Fereej VIVA' is a sustainable community initiative that will encompass various social programmes. The first project introduced, includes furnishing housing units built by the Ministry of Housing with the aim of benefiting Bahraini women, including divorcees and widows, who have been selected based on their financial status after their application. This programme is in line with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's vision of providing the best housing services for citizens with limited income to ensure they lead a quality life.

Commenting on the launch, Eng. Basim Bin Yacob Al Hamar, Minister of Housing expressed his delight with the partnership with VIVA Bahrain to launch "Freej VIVA" as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programs,stressing that such initiatives led by the private sector highlight the level of awareness these companies give to their role in helping the community.

Furthermore, Al Hamar emphasized that the social responsibility programs of the private sector, is considered one of the main pillars that assist the government's continuous efforts to support community growth. He added that the Ministry of Housing supports and encourages such initiatives and looks forward to partnering with the private sector to further extend a helping hand to the different segments of the community.

Al Hamar also expressed gratitude to VIVA Bahrain for launching an initiative like "Fereej VIVA" that backs the housing sector, through providing the basic needs to the beneficiaries after thorough studies carried out by the ministry. Underlining that this initiative is gaining great importance as it coincides with the unveiling of the latest government initiatives that aims to fulfil the royal vision of providing the best and finest appropriate housing services to low-income citizens to ensure stability and provide a decent living.

Eng. Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, Chief Executive Officer of VIVA said: "We are pleased to launch 'Fereej VIVA'. VIVA's success can be attributed to the local community's trust and confidence. We would like to congratulate the citizens who have benefited from this housing initiative and are proud of our successful partnership with the Ministry of Housing. We reiterate our continuous support to charitable and humanitarian programmes that benefit the society."

The special committee formed by VIVA will conduct an in-depth study of the applicants that are qualified for the 'Fareej VIVA' programme, based on their financial status.

-Ends-

For more information please contact:
Latifa Al-Shakar: 1756 1725
latifa.alshakar@ogilvy.com

Pooja Rekhi Sharma: 17561723
pooja.sharma@ogilvy.com  

© Press Release 2015