Al Habtoor launches new foundation
Dubai, January 21, 2013
Al Habtoor Group has launched the Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor Foundation which focuses mainly on developing and improving human societies in need in the UAE.
It also aims at providing relief and assistance to communities around the world affected by natural disasters and social calamities, meeting the needs of orphans and improving their welfare, as well as promoting interreligious and intercultural communication, and enhancing education, said Group chairman Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor.
He was speaking at the launching ceremony held in the presence of Sultan Al Habtoor, the chairman of the board of trustees of the foundation, and members, Dr Rafia Ghobash, Ahmad Khalaf Al Habtoor, Mohammad Abdallah Al Haj, Jomaa Khalifa Bin Thalith, and Abdul Salam Marzooqi, secretary general and director of the Foundation.
The foundation's head office is located in Al Farooq Mosque and Center in Safa (Jumeirah) in Dubai.
"I decided to launch the Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor Foundation to combine all the charities I am involved in and put them under one framework in accordance with the Foundation's statute that defined its objectives and noble goals," explained Khalaf Al Habtoor.
As for the funding source, Al Habtoor explained, "Twenty per cent of Al Habtoor Group shares have been allocated for the Foundation. It is of course different from Zakat, which is mandatory for every Muslim."
The charitable activities will extend to include support for education and scientific research through establishment of scientific and research chairs named after the founder within and outside the UAE, support of various sports, and to provide assistance and grants for researchers and scholars in different fields and specialisations.
"I chose to launch the Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor Association officially from Al Farooq Omar Ibn Al Khattab Mosque and Center for the latter's role in our society as a beacon of education, faith and intercultural communication," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
