Dubai to raise Dh150m for orphans’ village

Dubai is planning to launch a public campaign next week to raise nearly Dh150 million to build a village for orphans—a charity project that was proposed in Ramadan by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.

The Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) will oversee the campaign to fund the “Family Village”, which will cover 15,400 square metres in Warqa area and include 12 villas accommodating up to 10 orphans with their mothers.

Each villa will cost around Dh3 million while the remaining fund will be allocated for the construction of green parks and business projects through the emirate to ensure durable revenue to run the village.

“We appeal for all businessmen and all Emiratis and expatriates to donate for this charitable project, which should be ready by 2014,” AMAF’s secretary general Tayeb Al Rais told the Arabic language daily Emarat Al Youm.

The project has already attracted donations by some government officials, including cabinet affairs minister Mohammed Al Gargawi, who donated to build two villas, and head of the Vice President’s office,  Lt General Musabbah Al Fattan, who will fund three villas and provide Dh1 million every year.

“We have already set up a liaison centre to receive donations and enquiries. This centre is ready to answer all queries by Emiratis and expatriates and will provide all details of the project in Arabic and English,” Rais said.

He said the “Family Village” would receive orphans of all ages and support them until they grow up and become able to support themselves.