Dubai launches ‘Sirage’ initiative

Dubai's Department of Economic Development (DED) and its agencies have launched an annual corporate social responsibility (CSR) and humanitarian initiative called 'Sirage,' the first cycle of which will support the 'Reading Nation' initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aimed at providing five million books to children in need worldwide.

The first cycle of the initiative will feature the Sirage Exhibition - a charity bazaar showcasing varied products from members of Dubai SME, the DED agency mandated to develop small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, and Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of DED – as well as the 'Sirage Evening' organised with the support of entrepreneurs, businesses and investors to raise funds for the 'Reading Nation' campaign.

Sirage was launched under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai International Marine Club.

Sirage Exhibition

'Sirage Exhibition' will be held in the Dubai Festival City Mall from June 16-21, 2016 between 9pm and 12am with a variety of products for different segments of the society going on display.

Mariam Al Afridi, Director of Government Communications in DED, stated that the Sirage initiative is a remarkable public-private partnership endeavour towards strengthening corporate social responsibility and humanitarian causes as well as in translating the aspirations of the UAE leadership into action.

'Reading Nation' initiative

"Sirage in its first year is lending support to the 'Reading Nation' initiative of Sheikh Mohammed. It's intended to be an annual event and in the next cycles, Sirage will remain in solidarity with the initiatives launched by our wise leadership," said Al Afridi.

"The Department of Economic Development seeks to serve the community and achieve the social responsibility targets of the UAE government in collaboration with various government and private agencies. We also support charitable initiatives as such concerted efforts are essential to consolidating the principles of humanity and to achieving greater impact in community development initiatives in the UAE and beyond," Al Afridi added.

Abdelrahman Al Hosani, Director - Exporter Services in Dubai Exports, added: "We aim to raise awareness on social responsibility among our members and hence we have invited them to be part of the Sirage initiative. We have set aside a number of stalls for our members to participate in the exhibition and we believe the programme would help activate our partnership with manufacturers and exporters in the country in the field of humanitarian work."

SME participation

Dalal Al Balooshi, Senior Manager - Entrepreneurs Commercial Promotion in Dubai SME, said no less than 40 member entrepreneurs from Dubai SME will participate in the Sirage initiative. "We are pleased to be part of this initiative as our role is not limited to enhancing the economic performance of our members, but also extends to strengthening the role of SMEs in the society as well as inspiring them to do good by being part of the humanitarian programmes taking place during this Holy Month of Ramadan," added Al Balooshi.

The 'Sirage Evening' will feature a suhoor gathering to raise donations towards 'Reading Nation' and honour sponsors and contributors to the initiative as well as the announcement of the best social entrepreneur. The evening will be attended by the members of Dubai SME, Dubai Exports and Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI), the investment development agency of DED.

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