'Dubai: the City that Cares 2002' - DCCI announces activities

The 41-day event will highlight the importance of charitable initiatives around the world. This is being done through a variety of fundraising activities, the proceeds of which will go towards financing major projects for children in need and mother - child centres in Palestine and Afghanistan.

'The month of Ramadan reminds us to share, care and help one another. We are grateful for all the efforts from our sponsors and from the people who will participate in our activities to help people less fortunate than ourselves during this holy time,' said Mr. Thani Juma Berregad, Chief Co-ordinator, Dubai the City that Cares.

The main objectives in running DCC 2002 for the 5th year are to activate the retail sector, activate the charity activities, and promote Dubai as a commercial and tourist destination. This year, the partnership with UNICEF and the UAE Red Crescent (UAERC) will enhance the charitable element for children of the world.

Each of the three partners will launch several cultural and fund-raising activities during Dubai the City that Cares 2002. Activities that DCC are sponsoring include First Nations Gathering in Rigga Street, which is a small representation of handicrafts and foods from ten countries around the world, where 25% of the rent fees will be donated to charity; Smart Fun Expo, a children's exhibition of education and entertainment taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC); Ramadan International Products Fair at DWTC; Chess tournament organised by Dubai Chess and Culture Club; Training and Education Programmes for Highschool students organized by Happy Family Centre; Ramadan Entertainment in Dubai Shopping Malls including arts and crafts activities for children; religious, athletic, social and entertainment programmes on Muraqqabat Street organized by Bel Rumaitha Club, and a Mural reflecting life in Dubai past to present. DCC also sponsors the special activities hosted by Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

As for UAERC, their main project is the Mother and Child Care Centre in Palestine, which will care and provide medical attention for mothers and children in Camp Nuseirat in Gaza Strip. As part of the fund-raising activities, UAERC will launch the Giant Moneybox on 2nd November in Abu Dhabi, to tour the Emirates and arrive in Dubai on 2nd December. During that time, for children with special needs, there will be a basketball tournament on 19th and 20th November, followed by a march on 29th November, down Rigga Road to Al Ghurair City.

UNICEF started their Greeting Cards Campaign under the Dubai City that Cares 2002 umbrella on 15th October, and during the campaign, they will invite goodwill ambassadors to Dubai, underlying the several workshops which will be held throughout. Workshops will be centred around Children's Situation Analysis on 24th-26th October; Early Childhood Care and Development in Gulf Region on 2nd-6th November; regional media round table focusing on how children are photographed in media on 9th-12th December, as well as the launch of the State of the World Children's Report on 11th December. UNICEF is also organizing the Mother and Child Care Centre in Afghanistan, to provide care and medical attention to the families in Afghanistan.

'We are proud to associate 'Dubai the city that cares 2002' with UAERC and UNICEF. Children are our future. It is only by investing in them and their well-being that we can hope to build a healthy, prosperous and peaceful world.' said Mr. Berregad.

'Dubai the City that Cares 2002' brings together the values of sharing and contributing that are at the core of the holy month of Ramadan. 'Dubai: the City that Cares 2002' will run from 2nd November until 12th December 2002, and is sponsored by American Express, Dubai Islamic Bank, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Gold & Jewelry Group, Dubai Shoping Malls Group, and is co-sponsored by Al Zarouni Group.

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