(28 October 2018)
Sandooq Al Watan, a national initiative launched by prominent Emirati businessmen to support research projects for the post-oil era, announced that Emirati businessman Badr Jafar has joined the ranks of its supporters, bringing up the number of donors to 34 businessmen and 51 private companies.
Arabic for 'Nation's Fund', Sandooq Al Watan is an initiative launched to reinforce corporate responsibility towards the sustainable development of the UAE’s economy. In its mission to empower the Emirati citizens and society, the fund provides growth opportunities that have the power to unleash the fullest potential of individuals to allow them to contribute fully to this nation, guided by the UAE’s leadership vision for sustainable development.
Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises and Founder of the Pearl Initiative, said: "It is an honour to join a long list of socially responsible Emirati business leaders who have supported Sandooq Al Watan. This initiative is exemplary in how it fosters private sector collaboration to scale impact and contribute to a sustainable knowledge economy for the UAE in line with our national agenda."
Since its inception, Sandooq Al Watan has received over AED700 million, achieving 70 percent of the fund’s target of AED1.00 billion by 2020.