In line with the Holy Month of Ramadan and the Year of Zayed, the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) has earmarked AED65 million from its endowment mandates, zakat (alms) funds and donations to charity programmes in education, healthcare, and other humanitarian projects. The step will help AMAF achieve its goals of instilling the culture of endowment in the UAE, while encouraging charity and humanitarian work.

The dedicated amount will cover educational programmes that provide the youth with necessary skills and learning, enable them to launch their professional careers, and contribute to socioeconomic development in different sectors. A portion of the funds will also be spent on healthcare projects that include raising awareness about diseases and healthy lifestyles, and offering financial support for treatment and pharmaceuticals. The rest will be dedicated to various charity and humanitarian projects.

Ali Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of AMAF, said, "This step is part of AMAF’s strategic 2018-2020 plan that was approved recently and aims to develop endowment assets, encourage society’s participation in this development, and enhance the efficiency of endowment mandates to empower wider social segments.

"The largest part of this grant has been dedicated to quality programmes in education and healthcare – two pillars that are crucial for any society’s progress. These efforts align with our commitment to the Dubai Plan 2021 that seeks to enhance human development, build a cohesive society, and prepare a qualified generation for a better future."

Al Mutawa added, "We will continue innovating in our projects and initiatives in a way that expands benefits to the society and increases its positive effects to include more segments, especially in vital sectors that are pillars for building happy and productive communities. We are confident that our collaboration with our partners and those who believe in the importance of charity and humanitarian work will help us achieve further success."

AMAF’s new strategic plan for 2018-2020 includes a series of initiatives spread over five pillars – growing endowment, minors’ care, financial sustainability, governance and corporate excellence, and enhancing customers’ happiness. The decision to dedicate AED65 million for healthcare and education projects was taken as part of the strategy’s immediate priority.