Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has donated the proceeds of its charity fun run marathon, held last month as part of the airline’s ten-year anniversary celebrations, to the Abu Dhabi Centre for Autism.

The donation was used to fund a special vocational arts and crafts workshop to develop the children’s abilities and provide them with the technical skills needed to become contributing members of society.

Etihad Airways also donated a substantial number of iPads to the centre to be used as teaching aids for the “Al Zohour” group, comprised of children with high functioning autism. The iPads will be loaded with various programs and applications used by the centre to develop the children’s skills and abilities. This is the second time Etihad Airways has donated iPads to the centre as the devices have proven to be successful educational tools.

Khaled Al Mehairbi, the airline’s Senior Vice President of Government and Aero Political Affairs and Chairman of its Sports and Social Committee said: “Etihad Airways is committed to active participation in causes that assist people and communities across its global network and especially in its home base of Abu Dhabi.

“Every child deserves the best education possible and we are pleased to play a vital role in the development and training of autistic children, and ultimately in their integration into society.”

H.E  Mohamed Fadel Al Hamli, Deputy Chairman and Secretary-General of the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs, said: “I would like to extend our appreciation to Etihad Airways for its generous initiative in providing funds, iPads and other electronic equipment that will enable the centre to continue providing rehabilitative care and vocational training to children with autism. 

“Etihad Airways has always been generous in supporting special needs institutes like the Abu Dhabi Autism Centre and we hope to continue working closely in the future.”

The Abu Dhabi Autism Centre was established in 2002 as part of the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs and aims to provide psychiatric and educational services to children with autism and helps integrate them in the community.

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