National Bonds celebrates its third anniversary with Dubai Autism Centre

Notes and media contacts

About National Bonds Corporation:

A private joint stock shareholding company, National Bonds Corporation was launched in March 2006. The Government of Dubai holds a 50 per cent ownership in the company with each of its shareholders, comprising Dubai Bank, Dubai Holding and Emaar Properties, holding 16.6% ownership respectively. National Bonds Corporation is Sharia compliant, with a dedicated Sharia Board to oversee all financial aspects, including product-related operations and investments.

In December 2006, National Bonds Corporation launched property development projects - "Skycourts," the elegant and affordable freehold residential community in the heart of Dubailand, and Flamingo Creek in the Lagoons. In 2007, National Bonds Corporation launched National Properties, a wholly-owned, full-service real estate subsidiary that offers distinctive homes and lifestyle options to the multinational UAE community. National Bonds Corporation has invested in Taaleem PJSC, an initiative aimed at raising quality standards in the region's education sector. It is the new brand for Beacon Education that aims to inspire young minds, and help them identify and develop their passions and talents. National Bonds Corporation has also invested in BCS, a Strata Management company specializing in property management, Souk Extra the retail community shopping chain, and in M'sharie, the private equity arm of Dubai Investments.

About National Bonds:

National Bonds is the National Saving Scheme of the UAE that provides UAE nationals, UAE residents and non-residents over the age of 16 with a credible, safe and Sharia-compliant savings opportunity. Minors can also own National Bonds, provided the bonds are purchased by the parent/guardian. Each bond costs Dhs10, with a minimum purchase of Dhs100; National Bonds can be purchased from nearly 500 outlets across the UAE, including exchange houses and banks. These include Emirates Islamic Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Sharjah Islamic Bank, Dubai Bank , Al Hilal bank and exchange houses: Al Ansari, Al Fardan, Al Ghurair, Redha Al Ansari, Al Rostamani International, UAE, Wall Street, Lari, Orient, Al Razouki International, Sharaf and Habib Exchange Company. In addition, National Bonds can be purchased online or call Toll Free 800-BONDS (26637).

National Bonds offers all participants the opportunity to win prizes worth a total of Dhs5m monthly. The programme is based on the Islamic principle of Mudaraba, whereby at the end of the financial year 20% of the profits made by the National Bonds Corporation will be distributed among bondholders.

For more information on National Bonds, please call Toll free 800-BONDS (26637).

About the Dubai Autism Centre (DAC):

The Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) is a non-profit organization providing information, support, advice and training to professionals and parents of children with Autism.

DAC was initiated after the issuance of a decree from H.H. Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2001 as a resource / counseling center and was launched as a school in 2003. Today, 43 students are provided with a holistic education, which includes academics, therapies - psychological, speech, occupational, music and play - and professional medical care.

DAC has also initiated many awareness campaigns and launched many fund-raising activities to highlight Autism and increase exposure of the center as a foundation that aims to provide complete support to individuals affected by Autism.

For more information on Dubai Autism Center, please call 800-Autism (28876).

Media contact:

Anosh Ahamath
Program Director
BPG Public Relations
Level 6 MAF Tower Deira City Center
PO Box 3294 Dubai UAE
T +971 4 295 3456
F +971 4 295 1027