Noor Dubai Foundation (NDF), a non-governmental organization (NGO) active in prevention of avoidable causes of blindness, has extended its partnership with Dubai Islamic Bank Foundation (DIB) for another year.

An MoU was formally signed on Tuesday by both the organizations on the sidelines of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development conference 2012.

'NDF extended its collaboration for the second year with DIB to increase its support to the “Mobile Eye Camps” an outreach program that includes organizing surgical and medical eye care in needy countries on the list of WHO and International Agency for prevention of blindness,' remarked Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, NDF chairman.

'The Noor Dubai initiative has succeeded in providing around 6 million individuals with eye health services since 2008. In October 2010 a decree was issued by the Government of Dubai to establish the non governmental, not for profit Noor Dubai Foundation, to serve the same cause,' noted Al Murooshid.

'In 2010, DIB supported four Mobile Eye Camps. We look forward to actively engaging in a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship with Dubai Islamic Bank,' he added.

“In Dubai, we are blessed to have first-rate facilities and physicians with the means and ability to offer world class treatment. This is a blessing that the people of Dubai wish to share with those most in need across the globe,' remarked Abdelrazak Al Abdalla, CEO of DIB Foundation.

'DIB was satisfied with the results achieved last year from its partnership with the NDF. Mobile Eye Camps are a good investment with the Zakat money to treat thousands of people in need around the world.'

Dr Manal Taryam, CEO of Noor Dubai Foundation, stressed on the importance of sustaining the foundation’s programs through strategic partnerships with banks and other corporate bodies in the UAE.

Funding Prevention of Blindness programs and campaigns is a great opportunity for Corporate Social Responsibility and use of Zakat funding.

“Last year, with the support of DIB, Noor Dubai successfully conducted four camps, two in Pakistan, one in Burkina Faso and one in Ghana, reaching out to over 22,800 individuals. We look forward to conducting 8 camps this year thanks to the generous support of DIB,” she added.

For 2012, Noor Dubai plans to expand its outreach program to include more countries in Africa and Asia in need of blindness prevention programs.-TradeArabia News Service