Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation to Host Regional Consultation on Arab Philanthropy  

Dubai: 12 January, 2008 - The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation today announced it will host a regional consultation in Dubai on the future of philanthropic work in the Arab world.

The forum, titled ‘From Charity to Change: Trends in Arab Philanthropy’, will be held on 20-21 January, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The initiative, first of its kind by the Foundation, has been prompted by the findings of a ground-breaking study undertaken by the John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy and Civic Engagement, American University in Cairo. The study mapped out philanthropic work carried out in a number of Arab countries including the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan.

The consultation, which will review the results of the study to draw up an action plan for promoting strategic philanthropic activities in the region, will attract prominent Arab philanthropists as well as a significant number of corporate heads and decision makers from the Arab world.

The meeting comes at a time when the region is witnessing a remarkable shift from traditional charity drives towards more sustainable models that promote overall community development. Awareness about the importance of corporate social responsibility has also registered a dramatic increase recently within the Arab world.

His Excellency Mohammed Al Gergawi, Chairman of the Board of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation said: “Philanthropy is an important pillar of the society as it opens up viable economic options for the underprivileged, particularly in regions with limited resources. The Foundation is committed to promoting the overall development of the society and creating innovative, sustainable and equal opportunities for individuals and communities in the Arab world.

“The conference will highlight best practices to raise awareness on the fundamental role of philanthropy as a catalyst for development in the region and as an effective tool to help countries overcome social and economic challenges. We are confident the discussions will help draw up a clear roadmap for the future of philanthropy in the region.”

H.E. Al Gergawi commended the Gerhart Center and hailed its study as a valuable and methodical documentation of Arab philanthropy.

Launched in May 2007 with an endowment of AED37 billion (US$10 billion), the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation seeks to develop future leaders and create a knowledge-based society in the region through focusing on key strategic components such as knowledge and education, culture and entrepreneurship.