PHOTO
● Signing Ceremony with Leading Universities Was Held in the Presence of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
● Foundation Becomes One of the Largest Privately Funded Education Initiatives in the World by Investing 1.1Billion USD
Dubai, UAE - The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, one of the largest privately funded philanthropic education initiatives in the world, hosted its official launch event today. The event included a signing ceremony with leading universities, Khalifa University, American University of Sharjah, American University of Beirut and American University in Cairo as well as the announcement of three tailor-made programs designed to support underserved Arab youth. The event was attended by Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The Foundation is devoted to equipping Arab youth with the knowledge and skills they need to fulfil their promise as the future leaders of the region. With an investment of 1.1 Billion USD (AED 4.2 Billion), it aims to provide high-achieving, underserved Emirati and Arab youth access to educational opportunities, through dedicated scholarship programs. On this occasion, Abdulla Ahmad Al Ghurair stated, "This Foundation is but a small contribution in return for the opportunities that our family was given by this country. We hope that the opportunities we provide young Emiratis and Arabs will mark the start of their journey towards greater success and philanthropic giving in the region."
The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education has committed to reaching a minimum of 15,000 promising Arab youth pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education over the next ten years, as well as supporting 5,000 high-achieving grade 11 and 12 Emirati students at public schools, preparing them to study STEM in top universities.
During the event, His Excellency, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education Board of Trustees announced the education programs, stating: "Today, we are telling every Arab youth 'if you aspire to be a leader who wants to give back to your country and region, work hard and set your sight high.' The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education wants every bright young Arab who may have otherwise not been able to afford a high quality education be able to pursue it."
The Foundation's programs, which are now live on the website, include:
● Al Ghurair Young Thinkers Program, which has been designed to widen the pool of Emirati college-ready students through up-skilling programs in English, Math, and Science and Innovation.
● Al Ghurair STEM Scholars Program, which will provide undergraduate and graduate scholarships to high-achieving underserved Arab and Emirati students to study STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects in top universities.
● Al Ghurair Open Learning Scholars Program, which will increase access to high quality education through innovative online and blended learning degrees and programs offered by some of the best universities in the world.
Maysa Jalbout, CEO of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education said: "This is an incredibly exciting time for the Foundation and we are committed to improving the lives of Emirati and Arab youth by working in partnership with some of the world's best education institutions. Our tailor-made programs offer more than just financial support; with academic counseling, skills development and mentoring, as well as access to internships, they are designed to prepare our students for their transition to university and the world of work. Ultimately we hope that the Foundation will empower young people to learn for life and to become leaders in their communities and ambassadors of education in the region."
The event held at Zayed University - Dubai Campus was attended by key government and education representatives from across the UAE. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum also witnessed the signing ceremony with senior representatives from leading partner universities across the region.
Student applications are now open to students on the Foundation's website www.alghurairfoundation.org.The deadline for submission is May 30th 2016.
-Ends-
About
Founded by Abdulla Ahmad Al Ghurair in July 2015, the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education provides high-achieving, underserved Emirati and Arab youth with unrivalled educational opportunities. The Foundation's board of trustees is chaired by His Excellency Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair; Abdulla Ahmad Al Ghurair's son.
The Foundation's primary focus is to create opportunities for at least 15,000 promising Arab youth from underprivileged backgrounds and help them prepare for university, work and life. With an initial budget of AED 4.2 billion over the next 10 years, the Foundation will award scholarships based on a highly competitive process.
The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education aims to empower the youth of today to write a new Arab story by designing education programs that are tailored to the needs of the younger generations and the needs of the regional and global labor market.
For more information about the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education please visit: www.alghurairfoundation.org.
Media Contacts:
Salah El Din Aloui
Organizational Consultants OC
Mobile: 01000421200
E-mail: saloui@oc.com.eg
© Press Release 2016
