Following directive of Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a charity auction will organized to support the Reading Nation Ramadan campaign. Sheikh Mohammed launched the humanitarian campaign on the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan aiming to provide five million books to underprivileged children in refugee camps and around the world in addition to establishing 2,000 libraries in schools globally.
In a gesture of solidarity and support to the charity auction, Sheikh Mohammed is donating items from his official collection that includes a 106-year-old piece of the Holy Kaaba cover (Kiswa), embroidered with gold and silver threads. This is part of the cover presented by Abbas II Hilmi Bey, Khedive of Egypt in 1331 H. The vice president is also donating a collection of art pieces from his office to the auction.
Secretary General of Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Initiatives and Chairman of the Executive Office Mohammed Al Gergawi said: that Sheikh Mohammed’s support for spreading the reading habit and knowledge sharing is truly limitless. Al Gergawi said that His Highness’s support is not exclusive to the Ramadan campaign or to this charity auction, but has included establishing knowledge-advancing institutions that have benefited millions of students, such as Dubai Cares and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation. Al Gergawi added: “He has also launched large-scale initiatives and contests, such as the Arab Reading Challenge in which over 3.5 million students participated. Under his directive, the UAE has also presented Arabic Language awards and launched the largest library in the Arab world. Such initiatives certainly reinforce His Highness’ role as one of the most influential leaders in the Arab world today in the cultural and knowledge fronts. Over 17 million students have benefited from these initiatives in the last 10 years”.
"The Reading Nation Ramadan campaign launched by His Highness at the beginning of Ramadan is now approaching three million books, with two million remaining for us to complete our ambitious targets. We expect this charity auction to be a resounding success, especially with the support provided by His Highness and the participation of national and international leaders and personalities who believe in the significance of knowledge and learning in changing people’s lives and saving them from poverty”, He added.
The Reading Nation Ramadan campaign has drawn the large-scale participation of government entities, public and private sector organizations in the UAE, educational and retail establishments and the community at large. Etisalat and Du Telecommunications have dedicated toll-free numbers through which individuals can donate to the campaign throughout Ramadan, while the Emirates Red Crescent and Dubai Cares receive donations through their bank accounts, branch locations, and donation kiosks across the country.
In addition, the UAE Ministry of Education has organized events and activities to encourage students to donate books, that will be sent to children and students in refugee camps.
National media organizations, such as Abu Dhabi Media, Dubai Media Incorporated, Arab Media Group, and national Arabic and English newspapers and publications have joined the campaign through covering events and activities held by participating entities.
More information about the Reading Nation Ramadan campaign and contact details are available at www.readingnation.ae.
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