Dubai’s leading commercial real estate developer, Al Fajer Properties, has allocated Dh4 million ($1.08 million) for Ramadan community support activities.

Elaborating on the details of the initiatives, Dr Shahram Abdullah Zadeh, chief executive officer, Al Fajer Properties, said: “In line with the corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies of Sheikh Hasher Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, for the second consecutive year, Dh4 million has been allocated from the Sheikh’s personal account for Ramadan community support activities.”

A significant component of the month-long activities will be the Dh2 million Al Awlaa Fund which will seek to help single mothers, divorcees and widows in addition to underprivileged suffering from health ailments that require costly medical treatment.

“Al Fajer Properties aims to contribute to society by giving back to the UAE Nationals as well as the residents who co-exist in harmony in this great country. The great visionary leadership of Dubai has provided extraordinary opportunities for thousands of companies like Al Fajer to benefit, and we are determined to share these benefits with some of our less fortunate brothers and sisters,” added Dr Zadeh.

In order to ensure transparency and put in place an unbiased operational mechanism for the fund, Al Awlaa will be managed by a high profile committee comprising prominent experts in health, education, law, social and family affairs. The committee will meet twice weekly to review the submitted cases and take swift decision on fund allocation.

Apart from creating two toll-free telephone lines – 04 5010255 (Arabic) 04 5010256 (English) - for people who are looking for support, to call in, Al Fajer Properties has also tied up with various charity institutions and community support groups like the UAE Red Crescent, Bait Al-Khair Society, Dar Al Ber Society and Dubai Women’s Association. These institutions will be presenting cases to the Al Awlaa committee that need financial support.

Al Fajer Properties will also be distributing 5,000 Iftar meal boxes every day during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Last year, the realty major had distributed some 150,000 free Iftar meal boxes at various sites including Dubai Ports, Dubai Women’s Association, Red Crescent, labour camps and certain underprivileged areas of Dubai.

Elaborating on the fund’s operations, Dr Abdullah Al Khayat, director, Al Wasl Hospital and member of the high-profile committee said: “Sheikh Hasher has always led by great personal example. Sharing and giving back have always been part of our tradition and culture and it is a matter of pride for me to be part of the Al Fajer campaign where many organisations join hands for the betterment of society. Dubai has always set an example in caring for its citizens and residents equally, which has also encouraged a corporate culture that is aware of its social role.”-TradeArabia News Service