HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed calls on Dubai Government to support 'Dubai Cares' Campaign

In line with his role in the campaign, H. H. Sheikh Hamdan called for the proceeds from an auction of vehicle number plates and six-weeks of Salik revenues to be donated to the cause.

He also directed the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to display hoardings of 'Dubai Cares' on Salik road toll gates.

H. H. Sheikh Hamdan also urged all residents of Dubai, UAE nationals and expatriates alike, to contribute whole heartedly to the campaign. He said: "Dubai Cares will position Dubai as a torch bearer of philanthropic activities. It will also illustrate its firm commitment to making the world a better place.

He added: "In less than 2 weeks, the campaign has raised over Dhs600m through donations from individuals, families and organizations, which is an example of what can be done. The success thus far speaks on many levels: it reflects a collective humanitarianism taking root in our society and is testimony of the will of the people and institutions of Dubai to contribute to the welfare of the less fortunate around the world."

H. H. stressed the importance of government playing a key role in the success of the campaign. He said: "Given its influence, the government's involvement in and partnership with 'Dubai Cares' will go a long way in ensuring the campaign not only meets but surpasses its stated objective of providing 1 million children with primary education. To that end, the Dubai Government will certainly be a leading contributor to this campaign and all local government entities will participate in this noble effort."

The 'Dubai Cares' campaign was launched on 19 September 2007, under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, as a humanitarian initiative to tackle illiteracy among primary school children. The campaign reflects H.H Sheikh Mohammed's firm belief that education is a key component to sustainable development and, in turn, a contributing factor for macro economic stability in the world.