UAE Water Aid: Dh140m collected so far

LATEST UPDATE An extra 603,000 people who lack access to clean water will benefit from the UAE Water Aid campaign after it raised more than Dh140 million surpassing its own targeted amount of money needed to help five million people in developing countries in particular. The Dh140,081,000 raised so far by the UAE Water Aid from government departments, companies and individuals is enough to help 5,603,000 people around the world gain access to potable water, according to the Organising Committee of UAE Water Aid. "The wide response, at the government and popular level, to the charity campaign launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, within only two weeks has contributed to making this honourable achievement which proves that our country has earned this well-deserved position on the forefront of nations rushing to humanitarian work through qualitative initiatives that enable members of the society to perform their duty of guaranteeing the basics of dignified life for the population of regions facing difficult conditions," said Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Organising Committee of UAE Water Aid. Gergawi thanked all donors for their contribution to this achievement which he described as a source of pride and as a demonstration of the interest of the whole society in taking part in charity wand sincere efforts to extend help to others in line with the spirit of the Holy Month of Ramdan and in compliance to the noble Islamic values of compassion and mercy and helping the needy. "May Allah bless all the donors and enable them to always be part of efforts to promote peace, brotherliness, harmony and love among all people," said Gergawi. In order to allow more donors to show their support to the humanitarian drive, and to maximise its benefits for the needy, the campaign will continue to receive donations until it officially wraps up on Wednesday, July 16. Dh121.097 millionon day 15 On its 15th day running, the sum of donations collected by the UAE Water Aid campaign has reached Dh121.097 million through generous contributions from government entities, community institutions, businessmen and individuals alike. The amount collected can provide fresh drinking water to more than 4.8 million distressed people in poor countries; 97% of the campaign’s target of 5 million people. The Water Aid Campaign was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan to provide access to fresh drinking water for five million people around the world who suffer from shortage of potable water. The World Health Organisation (WHO) figures show that a child dies every 21 seconds from a water-related illness and 9,863 people die every day from thirst and water related diseases. Donations on the 15th day included Dh3 million from MBC Group Chairman Al Waleed Al Ibrahim, Dh2 million from Emirati businessman Saeed Al Kindi, Dh2 million from Al Tayer Group and Dh1 million from Damac Chairman Hussain Sajwani. Other generous donations included Dh0.5 million from the Canadian University in Dubai, Dh0.5 million from Emirati businessman Ahmed Abdullah Al Shafaar, Dh0.25 million from the American University in the Emirates and Dh200,000 from the Directorate General of Civil Defence – Dubai. The UAE Water Aid campaign is set to conclude on Wednesday, July, 16, 2014. Donations collected until now are enough to dig wells that provide clean drinking water to more than 4.8 million people in areas lacking potable water in various poor regions of the world. To donate to #UAEWaterAid, text the word (water) to the following etisalat or du numbers 8025 to donate Dh25 8075 to donate Dh75 8150 to donate Dh150 8250 to donate Dh250 8500 to donate Dh500 Dubai Holding announced the donation of Dh5 million for the Water Aid Campaign launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, to provide access to fresh drinking water for 5 million persons around the world who suffer from shortage of potable water. Dubai Holding’s donation to the humanitarian initiative stems from its keenness and commitment to effectively contribute to enhance UAE prestigious and leading position as a capital of international humanitarian work under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Dubai Holding’s donation will contribute to providing fresh drinking water for about 200,000 persons in developing countries. In this context, CEO of Dubai Holding Ahmad bin Byat said: "The noble aim the UAE Water Aid campaign seeks to achieve and the huge response to this campaign launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Makto