Property developer pledges $160m to build ‘best school in Dubai’
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has hailed a Dh600 million ($163.4 million) pledge to the UAE’s Mothers’ Endowment education drive as one of the largest charitable donations in the country’s history.
Dubai-based property company Azizi Developments pledged the money to establish the emirate’s “best school and education complex”.
Sheikh Hamdan said the investment underlined the role of the private sector in supporting the nation’s growth.
The project was agreed on by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), which is overseeing the campaign, and Azizi Developments during an event on Wednesday.
“In a generous act of philanthropy, Azizi Developments has committed to donating Dh600 million towards the construction of an educational complex,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote on social media. “This is one of the largest ever charitable donations in the UAE.
“We thank Mirwais Azizi, the founder and chairman of Azizi Developments, for his contribution. This gesture exemplifies the vital role the private sector plays in Dubai as a partner in the nation’s development.”
Mr Azizi said the donation would be the largest the company has made.
“This donation will be used in the education sector to build the best school and education centre in Dubai,” he said. “It will be the best education centre in the region.”
The Mothers’ Endowment campaign was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to coincide with the start of Ramadan.
The philanthropic scheme aims to establish a Dh1 billion fund to support the education of millions around the world.
The initiative raised Dh770 million in its first two weeks, it was announced on Tuesday.
MBRGI secretary general Mohammad Al Gergawi said the UAE was committed to ensuring access to education for all sections of society.
“The agreement signed with Azizi Developments as part of the Mothers’ Endowment campaign is a significant addition to the humanitarian efforts made in the UAE, particularly by MBRGI, to uplift underprivileged communities,” said Mr Al Gergawi, who also serves as Minister of Cabinet Affairs.
“This is achieved through a focus on education, which we see as the optimal investment and insurance against both current and future challenges, and a pathway towards prosperity and a better quality of life.
“I am confident that MBRGI will continue to accomplish its mission in the field of sustainable education, driven by extensive experience and continuous changes in its strategy, as well as the contributions of UAE philanthropists who are keen to support humanitarian initiatives.”