Du announces the next steps of its successful fundraising campaign during Ramadan 2012

The 'Feekom Al Khair w Al Barakah' campaign, organised by Du during Ramadan 2012, raised more than Dhs10.3m in a reflection of the spirit of solidarity in the UAE's society.

HE Dr. Eng Abdullah Belhev Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public Works said: "We are delighted today to reveal the results of Du's campaign, 'Feekom Al Khair w Al Barakah'. The money raised will make a difference to the 50 homes we have selected for maintenance across the UAE. HE Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak, Minister of Public Works, encouraged the voluntary participation of our engineering staff. We were keen on contributing to the 'Feekom Al Khair w Al Barakah' campaign last Ramadan because it reflects our vision of the UAE's wise leadership, that the people of the UAE should enjoy the best standards while building high quality standard homes for the people across the country."

Ahmad Bin Byat, Chairman of Du, thanked the Ministry of Public Works and Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, for partnering with them on the initiative. He said: "We are blessed that the UAE has strong leaders, who have provided us with a better standard of living to compete with the most developed countries worldwide. In spite of their inspired direction, we must all, as individuals and institutions, do our duty and join our hands together to contribute in returning the favour and enriching the lives around us."

The houses to be renovated were chosen by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, based on recommendations from the public, who called the Ministry of Public Works' campaign hotline during Ramadan. Renovations will take place in the western emirates, Abu dhabi, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah, and will be undertaken by the Ministry of Public Works over a period of 12-18 months. The first stage of the renovation process is the technical examination of the condition of the houses selected. Each house will then receive a letter with the date and details of the maintenance to be carried out.

'Feekom Al Khair w Al Barakah' was launched by Du during Ramadan as part of a set of activities under the slogan, 'Ramadan Khair w Barakah'. The campaign aimed to promote unity in the UAE's community by encouraging both individuals and institutions to cooperate in support of the maintenance of Emirati houses. It was created in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works, which was responsible for selecting the houses that will be maintained.