His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, tweeted that ‘Reading Nation” campaign managed to secure enough fund to publish and distribute 8.2 million books to underprivileged students and refugees across the Islamic world.
His Highness said that the initial target was 5 million book, but we managed to exceed the initial target and reached 8.2 million books, which will give hope to millions of underprivileged students and refugees. Sheikh Mohammed thanked all those who contributed to the campaign. “As we enter the last days of Ramadan, our 'Reading Nation' campaign comes to an end. Our goal was 5 million books. We achieved 8 million,” His Highness tweeted. “8 million books will open doors of hope for millions of needy students and refugees, and shows we are truly a nation of readers.”
The campaign managed to raise AED 80 million in cash plus a number of books which will increase the total number of books that the campaign will provide 8.28 million books. More than 700 volunteers contributed to the campaign, with AED 41 million were generated during the auction which was announced at the start of the holy month of Ramadan by Sheikh Mohammed. “Our thanks to all who contributed, participated and supported. Ramadan is the month of goodness and our UAE is a nation of giving and care,” he tweeted.
The Emirates Auction event raised funds by putting up for sale works from the private art collections of Sheikh Mohammed’s office, including a 106-year-old piece of the Kaaba cover (Kiswa), embroidered with gold and silver thread.
The auction also put up 10 unique telephone numbers from telecoms companies Etisalat and du worth millions of dirhams, as well as five licence plate numbers from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority.
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