Dubai, 4- October 2004 - Dubai Aid City held a meeting with representatives of UAE humanitarian agencies in order to obtain their views on cooperation in humanitarian and development issues. Barbara Castek, Head of Dubai Aid City, steered the meeting and introduced the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to each other. Acting as a platform for humanitarian aid discussions and projects in UAE, Dubai Aid City shared its agenda with the NGOs and shared their concerns on humanitarian issues.

"We are glad to see the response of the local NGOs that shows how a common platform was needed to facilitate projects and achieve maximum beneficial outcome. The input and expertise of the local well-established NGO community is of vital importance to the success of Dubai Aid City. Cooperation between local and international NGOs is also a vital ingredient to emphasize the fact that Dubai Aid City's mandate is established as the global humanitarian hub", said Barbara Castek.

Representatives of Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, UAE Red Crescent Society, Human Appeal International, Sharjah Charity Association, Welfare Association Fujeirah, Beit El Kheir, Al Ehsan Center and Sharjah Charity House attended the meeting. "We luckily and happily receive the efforts of Dubai Aid City to bring together humanitarian efforts in an attempt to facilitate their agendas and achieve maximum benefit for their causes. It is very important for us to get together and even more important to get the support of the government organizations and entities that can facilitate our work", said Faisal Al Shehi from Mohammad Bin Rashed Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment.

The meeting resulted in a better understanding of each organization's projects and work style, and potential for cooperation on various joint projects. Fahed Bin Sultan representing UAE Red Crescent said: "We are glad to have eventually put our act together as non profitable NGOs with a common goal to aid humanity in our region and wherever we can reach suffering human's all over the world. Thanks to the efforts of Dubai Aid City which we will always support, and to the wise leadership of our country that never forgot to pay tribute to humanity in the crowd of business and trade projects".

During the meeting several important issues were open for discussion. Dubai Aid City offered the NGOs arranging international training courses for their members as well as sharing the volunteers' database with them. Dubai Aid City would also work on solutions and logistics of reducing cost of purchasing and shipping among NGOs, as well as introducing them to international aid agencies. On the other hand the NGOs invited Dubai Aid City to send its staff for onground orientations on their services and operations.

The meeting will be held regularly with Dubai Aid City moderating its sessions and supervising the outcome.

-Ends-

For further information please contact:
Mirna Al-Qassim
TBWA/RAAD Middle East
Tel: + 971 4 222 6667 ext. 233
Fax: + 971 4 222 6566
E-mail: mirnaq@tbwaraad.com

© Press Release 2004