DUBAI: The UAE Water Aid Foundation, Suqia, under the umbrella of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) has announced its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for the Year of Zayed. The programme includes six humanitarian and social projects and initiatives, in collaboration with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) and Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dewa and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Suqia, said that the projects reflect the noble values and principles of philanthropy and wisdom, instilled by the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the hearts of Emirati people. It is also a continuation of Suqia’s sustainable development initiatives in the Year of Giving.

He added that these projects support the UAE’s position as a global model for humanitarian work. For the fourth year running, the UAE maintained its position as one of the largest international donors compared to its national income in 2016 for the fourth year in row, according to the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development

During the Year of Zayed, Suqia will implement “100 Water Projects” initiative to provide safe drinking water to unprivileged communities around the world, in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment and the Emirates Red Crescent. The projects include providing water wagons to help women carry water from faraway water sources. These water wagons will enable them to get five times more water, while saving time for other important life events.

Through the “100 Volunteers Initiative”, and in collaboration with Dewa, Suqia aims to attract 100 volunteers from Dewa, to work on various CSR initiatives during the year. These include an awareness and rationalisation programme on water for elementary and middle school students in Dubai, Ramadan campaigns to distribute water to mosques and Ramadan tents, as well as voluntary field trips outside the UAE.

“International Initiative” includes international voluntary field visits, carried out by Suqia, in cooperation with Dewa and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment to implement sustainable projects that serve the needs of needy families and involve target communities in finding appropriate solutions to water problems. It also aims to raise awareness about the correct use of water, and informing them about the late Sheikh Zayed’s life and achievements.

“100 Water Endowments” Suqia will provide 100 water coolers in various parts of Dubai.

“Suqia Zayed”, through this campaign, Suqia aims to provide drinking water in partnership with Mai Dubai, and in cooperation with various local associations. It also aims to provide water to people during the Holy Month of Ramadan in different countries around the world.

“100 Letters to Zayed” aims at collecting messages of love addressed to the late Sheikh Zayed, from volunteers and staff members from Dewa.”