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As part of its aspirations to make world-class education more accessible and positively impact the community, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) in collaboration with the Zakat Fund and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank ( ADIB) in a AED15 million Ramadan fundraising campaign that will uplift 300 students by easing their financial burdens.
According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD), the UAE is one of the world’s most generous countries in assisting those in need, and this charitable spirit will be reflected in the Ramadan contributions for the year 1434 AH.
Under the theme “Our Youth Our Responsibility, Our Zakat Our Immunity”, ADU and its partners will facilitate contributions in accordance with Zakat.
Dr Nabil Ibrahim, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University elaborated: “While ADU has become highly reputed for its global standards and innovative programs, education does not only come in the form of academic degrees. Generosity is also a life lesson that teaches our community that today’s contributions impact tomorrow’s innovators. Our Ramadan campaigngives donors the chance to not only touch lives, but also shape the future. It is not just a one-way gift to the students because ADU graduates are also giving back to society as ambassadors of change - making a positive difference in the world by harnessingtheir leadership, social responsibility, skills and contributing to national prosperity at the forefront of their chosen career fields.”
This marks the fourth year in which Abu Dhabi University and Zakat Fund are collaborating to raise funds and this year, ADIB has joined the fundraising initiative. The campaign will extend throughout the Holy Month, mobilizing contributions until the fundraising target is achieved.
Dr Ibrahim added: “As an institution that is young at heart, we are passionate about the youth and recognize that many are exceptionally gifted with academic talents, ambition and an energetic work ethic. However there is one gift they don’t have: the financial gift, and that is the only missing link or remaining stepping stone on their way to greatness. That is why we are constantly exploring ways to remove financial obstacles for our students - whether through scholarships, tuition discounts, tuition freezes or any other assistance.”
His Excellency Abdullah Al Muhairi, the Secretary General of the Zakat Fund, stated that the Zakat Fund is collaborating with Abu Dhabi University to launch a Ramadan campaign under the theme ‘Our Youth Our Responsibility, Our Zakat Our Immunity,’ as part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two parties in 2010. This partnership strives to be a stimulus for academic and social improvements, by raising awareness of the significance of Zakat. This will ultimately amplify the generosity and solidarity within the community.
Elaborating on the wider goals of the Zakat Fund, His Excellency the Secretary General said: “The Zakat Fund aspires to use generosity as a bridge to close the gap between the privileged and the under-privileged, through broad-based collaborations with a vast array of partners. This is in line with the spirit of social responsibility that has been advocated by our nation’s leadership.”
HE Al Muhairi noted that in order to encourage the Ramadan spirit of generosity, the Zakat Fund has made its donation channels as accessible and convenient as possible. These range from conventional methods such as collecting Zakat funds directly from the donors, to more innovative options such as ‘Zakat Online’ via the Fund’s website: www.zf.ae. Donors can now contribute any time and from virtually anywhere courtesy of the Zakat Fund’s partnership with Dubai eGovernment and Abu Dhabi eGovernment Gateway. Donors can also opt for ‘Zakat Mobile’ on the Etisalat network, by dialing #162*, as well as ‘Zakat SMS’.
To maximize the ease and simplicity for donors, contributions can also be made via ATM throughout shopping malls and other public places in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region, and this service will soon be extended to the rest of the emirates. The Fund’s partnerships with numerous Islamic banks and other financial institutions cover about 1775 ATM’s across the emirates, with 500 Max Box ATMs for quick contributions.
The Zakat Fund has 15 private ATMs - 2 of which are at Marina Mall, 4 at Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society (Abu Dhabi Mall), and one ATM each at Al Wahda Mall, Khalidiyah Mall, Muhairi Center, at the Zakat Fund’s headquarters; and 3 in the Western region (Gayathi, MadinatZayed, Commodities); as well as 2 in Al Ain at Al Bawadi Mall and Extra Co.
Over the years, over 50 services have been launched to ease the calculation and contribution of Zakat, while also easing the administrative process and accelerating the uplifting of beneficiaries.
HE Al Muhairi concluded: “These donations are a precious investment in our gifted young people as they are the backbone of our nation. We whole-heartedly believe in them and will go the extra mile to transform their aspirations into a reality, building on the strong foundation of Zakat generosity.”
Interested donors can contribute through ADIB’s ATMs or cash deposit machines, which give users the option to donate to this cause after any transaction. Alternatively, cash contributions can be made through ADU’s Advancement and Alumni Relations Office; or through Zakat Fund quoting ADU Ramadan Campaign 1434.
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