Year of Giving will bring great benefits to UAE

The announcement by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan of 2017 as the ''Year of Giving'' underscores the spirit of the UAE community and its commitment to the value of giving and charity as instilled by the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, affirmed Dr. Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, Chairman of the Board of Directors of National Media Council (NMC).

Dr. Al Jaber extended his thanks to the leadership for launching this strategic initiative which will contribute to encourage members of the community to come together in doing good deeds for the best interest of the nation. The initiative, he said, has outlined specific pillars aimed at creating a sense of community responsibility in the private sector, enhancing the spirit of volunteering and encouraging specialised volunteer programs and instilling the loyalty in next generations to serve their country, a trait that is characteristic of Emiratis who were raised to love and serve their country.

''I am confident that the media will play an important role in spreading awareness about this initiative and encourage members of the community to come forward to present initiatives and make contributions. The media is expected to communicate with members of the public and provide platforms for floating ideas on the initiative,'' Dr. Al Jaber said.

''The concept of giving is a true trait in the Emirati character which was brought up on charitable values of Sheikh Zayed. Giving is the best investment in promoting the prominent standing of the UAE internationally,'' he added.

The UAE, he continued, had been making strenuous efforts to advance human civilisation and promote values of centrism, tolerance, openness, co-operation and positivity.

Dr. Al Jaber also highlighted the outstanding and advanced place occupied by the UAE in areas of giving and charitable and humanitarian works as per directives of the president, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates.

He stressed the importance of public-private partnerships to deliver the aspired results of this initiative which will bring great benefits to the UAE and humanity at large.