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ADFD Marks Zayed Humanitarian Work Day with Expert-led Seminar

Abu Dhabi, 06 Jun 2018

To mark Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) hosted a seminar entitled ‘Celebrating Zayed’s 100 Years of Goodness and Giving’. Paying rich tribute to the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the annual commemoration on the 19th day of the Holy Month of Ramadan is dedicated to promoting humanitarian work and instilling humanitarian principles in the Emirati culture.


The seminar was headlined by distinguished panellists including His Excellency Ahmed Shabib Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Federal National Council (FNC), and Saeed Al Falahi, poet and personal companion of the late Sheikh Zayed.


The discussions offered valuable insights on the prolific humanitarian and philanthropic efforts of the UAE’s founding father. Topics included the recollection of a 100 years of giving, the culture of charity in the UAE, remembering Sheikh Zayed with personal stories, and the role of local organisations in supporting humanitarian work. Within this context, ADFD’s development aid programmes were also highlighted.


Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: “Under the wise leadership of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the UAE has continued to follow in the philanthropic footsteps of Sheikh Zayed and has retained its position as the world’s largest donor of official development assistance relative to national income for the fifth year in a row.


“Through Sheikh Zayed's insightful vision and desire to bring happiness and prosperity to all, he initiated the establishment of ADFD on 15 July, 1971 as the first national institution to provide development assistance to developing countries. Boosting living standards in communities all around the world over the past 46 years, ADFD remains committed to its noble mission of helping developing countries achieve sustainable socio-economic growth and reduce poverty.”


His Excellency Al Suwaidi added: “This year’s Zayed Humanitarian Work Day holds special significance as it coincides with the UAE’s Year of Zayed. Let us together remember this great leader who remains an everlasting beacon of hope, togetherness and goodness.”


Since its inception in 1971, ADFD has financed development projects valued at AED80 billion in 88 countries around the world. The Fund focuses on projects that enhance key sectors including renewable energy, transport, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, industry, health care, social services, housing, water and electricity.