Newly opened Dubai-based Al Jalila Foundation, which aims at promoting the UAE as a centre of excellence in medical treatment, education and research, aims to raise Dh100 million ($27.2 million) this year, according to a top official.

“We aim to raise Dh100 million for the year 2013 in order to fulfill our main strategies that are focused on providing medical scholarships, funding medical research as well as treatment. Since we are a non-profit organisation we will be depending on donations from the public,” said foundation CEO Dr Abdul Kareem Sultan Al Olama.

The organisation will establish a donation fund that will collect public and private donations, according to a Gulf News report. Its board will also set up a fund management committee to oversee the fund’s functions and operations for a renewable term of three years.

“We will have donation boxes stationed at petrol stations and malls, people can also donate on our website. We are confident that we will achieve our target because the people of the UAE are known to be generous,” added Olama.

In addition to granting scholarships and financing medical research aimed at enhancing excellence in the medical field in the UAE, donations raised by the fund will also go towards medical publications and conferences, the report said.

“We want people to get involved in raising money for the foundation because we want to create a culture that is aware of the importance of medical research and how vital it is in helping the UAE become a pioneer in the medical field.” Olama said.

Easa Saleh Al Gurg (Esag) Charity Foundation donated Dh10 million.

Al Jalila will also focus on granting scholarships for Emirati citizens and encouraging researchers and research institutions by granting awards and cash prizes.

It also hopes to provide assistance to the needy from various nationalities in the country and abroad, according to the report.