The UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia), under the umbrella of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation, concluded its initiatives for Year of Zayed 2018. Suqia successfully implemented six community projects and initiatives in cooperation with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment (MBRHCE). The initiatives reflected the noble values and principles instilled by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in citizens’ hearts, primarily human development, sustainability, wisdom, and charity.
“In line with the main objectives of Year of Zayed 2018 that was announced by our wise leadership to commemorate the centennial birth of the Founding Father, Suqia dedicated initiatives throughout the year to raise awareness about Sheikh Zayed’s journey, achievements and position, and to immortalise his personality, principles, values, and humanitarian and civilised heritage. We completed six local and international initiatives stemming from the thought and vision of the late Sheikh Zayed, based on a well-thought-out strategy that focuses on sustainability, preserving the environment and its natural resources, and assisting people without discrimination. The late Sheikh Zayed instilled these principles of giving and global philanthropy in our hearts. Our Year of Zayed initiatives are also aligned to our strategy and identity, which was affirmed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who once said that, “UAE Water Aid will not differentiate between one person and another, so are all of our humanitarian works, such as the UAE’s humanitarian mission that lies in helping the afflicted, the needy and disadvantaged people all over the world,”” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Suqia.
“We are committed to supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, and implementing one of the most important objectives of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation to fight against poverty and disease. By the end of 2018, and in cooperation with a number of leading charitable organisations and institutions, Suqia’s projects helped over 9 million people from 34 countries around the world.”
“Sheikh Zayed left a great legacy of humanitarian and development work, and Suqia’s initiatives during the Year of Zayed reflected on his principles and values of giving he instilled in our hearts. We are committed to supporting national efforts to promote humanitarian, community, and volunteer work.”
Suqia’s initiatives during Year of Zayed included the 100 Volunteers initiative that was launched in collaboration with DEWA to strengthen the values of voluntary and humanitarian work among youth and employees, attracting more than 100 volunteers to work on various CSR initiatives throughout the year. Through the 100 Water Projects initiatives, Suqia provided safe drinking water to more than 125,000 people from 12 countries around the world, in collaboration with the MBRHCE, and the Emirates Red Crescent Authority. The projects included the drilling of wells, construction of water purification plants, and the establishing of a water wagon network to help transport water from faraway water sources.
The 100 Letters to Zayed initiative to collect 100 letters addressed to the late Sheikh Zayed recorded over 230 letters from volunteers, employees, community members, and beneficiaries of Suqia’s projects who were eager to express their appreciation and gratitude to Sheikh Zayed’s journey and his humanitarian and cultural heritage. Suqia also distributed and installed 100 portable water coolers at workers’ residences in Dubai and Ajman within the 100 Water Endowments initiative in collaboration with Dubai Investment Park, Dubai Industrial Park, Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, and Dar Al Ber Society.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Suqia distributed over 8 million cups of water to mosques and Iftar tents in cooperation with 15 charities across the UAE through its leading initiative Suqia Zayed. In cooperation with the MBRHCE, the initiative expanded internationally for the first time to reach 13 countries around the world, including Uganda, Tajikistan, Chad, Egypt, Brazil, Canada, USA, Palestine, the Philippines, Tunisia, Jordan, Ukraine, and Bangladesh.
Suqia’s charitable and humanitarian programmes during Year of Zayed also included the International Field Visits initiative, where Suqia organised international, voluntary field visits in cooperation with the MBRHCE and the participation of DEWA’s volunteers in Uganda and Egypt to implement sustainable projects that aid the needy, strengthening the values of our Founding Father.