Dubai Health today announced the launch of ‘The Child Fund’ by Al Jalila Foundation, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors. The pioneering annual charitable fund amounting to AED50 million will be dedicated to providing essential medical treatment for 3,000 children every year at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, the UAE’s first and only dedicated children’s hospital.

The announcement was made at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital in the presence of Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Saleh Al Gurg, Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors and Dubai Health Board Member; His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, Dr. Abdulla Al Khayat, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, in addition to a number of officials and major donors.

During his tour of Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, HH Sheikh Mansoor visited a group of young patients and was briefed on the hospital’s specialty services that underscore its commitment to prioritising child-friendly healthcare focused on quality and excellence.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum conveyed his gratitude to all donors and contributors who play a pivotal role in upholding the highest standards of excellence within the health system in Dubai. Their collective efforts contribute significantly to providing the best forms of healthcare, particularly for children. This commitment aligns with the enduring values of giving and compassion that have consistently defined the people of the UAE and its society, His Highness said.

Sheikh Mansoor said: “The launch of ‘The Child Fund’ underscores our steadfast dedication to ensuring comprehensive care for children, which is a paramount focus within Dubai’s health system. We consider it our fundamental responsibility to uphold the highest standards of care for them, as they symbolise the foundation of our future. Through such community initiatives, our goal is to extend support and deliver treatment to the largest number of children, with the ultimate aim of enabling them to lead normal lives.”

‘The Child Fund’ will serve as a dedicated children’s charity programme designed to raise funds for providing essential, life-saving medical support to children in need. Beyond being a beacon of hope for children and their families in the UAE, the initiative aims to cultivate a culture of giving within the community, ensuring that every child receives the care they need to thrive.

Her Excellency Dr. Raja Al Gurg highlighted Al Jalila Foundation’s role in supporting Dubai Health’s philanthropic mission: “For over a decade, Al Jalila Foundation has made a significant impact through its A’awen patient treatment programme, touching the lives of thousands of patients and their families across the UAE. With this new fund, we pledge to extend the reach of our care and provide renewed hope for a brighter and more promising tomorrow for even more children. ‘The Child Fund’ reaffirms our heartfelt commitment to securing a healthy future for our children. Today, we proudly recognise the unwavering dedication and generosity of our donors and supporters who, together, united by care and compassion, are lighting the path to healing young lives.”

Dr. Abdulla Al Khayat, said: “’The Child Fund’ goes beyond just providing essential medical treatment for children in need, it is a beacon of hope for families and their loved ones facing life-threatening illnesses. Through this initiative our dedicated team of doctors and physicians can extend life-saving care to those who cannot afford access to necessary treatments.”

“We are eternally grateful for the opportunities ‘The Child Fund’ will provide to our doctors and physicians, aligning with Al Jalila Children’s unwavering dedication to excellence in treating young patients. The Fund, reflecting our ‘Patient First’ promise, will enable us to extend care to children of all ages, empowering them to step into a more promising tomorrow,” said Dr. Al Khayat.

‘The Giving Wall’

During the launch, ‘The Giving Wall’ was unveiled as a tribute to the donors and contributors that have impacted children’s lives through their support to Al Jalila Foundation. They were invited to sign a pledge in support of the AED50 million annual fund dedicated to providing essential medical care for 3,000 children per year. Notable partners include the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian & Charity Establishment; Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation; Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department; Awqaf Dubai; Albatha Holding; IFFCO; and Tarahum.

‘The Child Fund’ builds on Al Jalila Foundation’s impactful history of philanthropic achievements in supporting a number of healthcare programmes in medical education, research and patient care transforming thousands of lives. The Foundation has supported medical treatment to over 8,600 patients, including 30% children, suffering from life-threatening conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses, underscoring its ongoing commitment to transforming lives of those in need in the community.

For more information on ‘The Child Fund’, please visit: https://www.aljalilafoundation.ae/the-child-fund

Al Jalila Foundation is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Ta’alouf Program this month. The milestone marks a decade of commitment to equipping parents, education professionals and caregivers with the skills and knowledge to better understand the learning needs of children of determination, as well as recognising the impact the program has had in the UAE.

Launched in 2013, the Parents Training program is the cornerstone of Ta’alouf. Over the course of 10 years and 22 cohorts, over 1,100 parents and caregivers have graduated from the program, representing 36 nationalities residing in all seven Emirates. These parents – 16 per cent of whom are fathers – care for children facing diverse challenges, including Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Cerebral Palsy, and other learning difficulties.

In 2014, Al Jalila Foundation in partnership with Zayed University, launched the Teachers Training program to support educators and parents in promoting inclusive education. The program, supported by the UAE’s Ministry of Education and Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority, is delivered in both English and Arabic, and educators from both public and private schools benefit from the program. The program runs concurrently with the Parents Training program enhancing the continuum of care from home to school.

Over the years, the program has continued to evolve, making a substantial difference in the lives of teachers, parents, and, most importantly, children of determination. To date, over 600 teachers representing 34 nationalities from 68 public schools and 53 private schools have successfully graduated from the Teachers Training program.

“It has been a rewarding experience to support educators and caregivers in their interactions with children of determination over the past decade through the Ta’alouf program,” said Dr Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer at Al Jalila Foundation. “The UAE is one of the most inclusive, welcoming places, and it is a top priority for our leaders to provide a friendly atmosphere for all. We are delighted to have contributed to helping parents and teachers enhance their influence and understanding both inside and outside the classroom, ultimately making a meaningful difference in the lives of people of determination throughout the country.”

Saleema Mahmoodi, Principal of Our Own English High School in Fujairah, was part of the sixth cohort of the Teachers Training program: “The Teachers Training program has broadened my understanding of inclusive education. Equipped with vital skills, I create an inclusive classroom where every student’s unique needs are met. Thanks to this initiative, I’m fostering a future where every student’s talents are recognised and celebrated.”

Fida Sulaiman, a mother who was part of the second cohort of the Parents Training program in 2013 said: “I’ve gained transformative skills that have not only enriched my child’s life, but also deepened our bond. This program is not about managing disorders; it’s about embracing the unique strengths of my child, celebrating her achievements, and nurturing her dreams. With the knowledge I gained, I felt empowered to champion my child’s abilities and advocate for a world where every individual, regardless of their challenges, is recognised for their extraordinary gifts.”

Ta’alouf, meaning “harmony” in Arabic, embodies the spirit of working together with strategic partners, parents, educators, and the wider community to empower children of determination. The success of the program has encouraged Al Jalila Foundation to explore further avenues to improve and develop the potential of people of determination. The Ta’alouf Talent Scout program was launched in 2022 to identify and nurture the talents and strengths of people of determination, encouraging them to pursue meaningful life opportunities in education and society.

For more information on the Ta’alouf Program, please visit: www.aljalilafoundation.ae/taalouf/

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, announced today that it is developing a AED46 million endowment that seeks to generate revenue to fund the medical education and research programmes of Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC). The seven-floor residential building, ‘Oud Metha Residential Building Endowment’, is projected to yield an 8% return to advance pioneering research to transform lives.

Dr Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “In our efforts to support DAHC’s giving mission, we are continuously seeking innovative financial models to support our projects and programmes. Since its inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has launched four building endowments, including the UAE’s first medical research endowment. Our latest endowment will generate sustainable income, while giving donors the opportunity to contribute towards impactful medical education and research programmes, aligning with our vision to advance health for humanity.”

Scheduled to commence construction in 2023 on a land granted by the Government of Dubai, the prestigious ‘Oud Metha Residential Building Endowment’ is set to reach completion by the end of 2024. Designed by Arif & Bintoak Consulting Architects and Engineers, it will consist of 60 apartments ranging from studios to one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The residential building will also house a state-of-the-art gym and a children’s play area.

The AED46 million value of the endowment has been divided into 46,000 shares each valued at AED1,000. Sharafi Holding has already taken the lead in contributing AED1 million towards the endowment with the purchase of 1,000 shares, setting an inspiring example for other prospective donors to follow.

In efforts to amplify donor outreach across diverse multi-channel platforms, Al Jalila Foundation now offers shares for purchase online providing a seamless and convenient way for individuals to contribute to the Endowment Fund and drive positive change.

Dr Amer added: “The new online share purchasing feature embodies simplicity, accessibility, and security, enabling benefactors from anywhere, at any time, to participate in driving positive change.”

For more information or to purchase shares please visit https://www.aljalilafoundation.ae/get-involved/endowment-waqf/.

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, today announced that it has received AED 7 million donation from longstanding partner Dubai Islamic Bank to help patients in need.

Al Jalila Foundation’s flagship patient treatment program, A’awen, provides financial medical assistance to patients who are unable to afford quality treatment, alleviating some of the financial burden of patients suffering from life-threatening illnesses including cancer.  Since January 2023, Al Jalila Foundation has supported 1505 patients from 54 nationalities, including 102 children, and invested almost AED 25 million to provide relief to patients in need.

Dr Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of the Al Jalila Foundation, said “As a philanthropic healthcare organisation dedicated to transforming lives, the health and well-being of patients is our top priority at Al Jalila Foundation. Philanthropic support is integral to achieving our giving mission and we are immensely grateful to Dubai Islamic Bank for their generosity and support to our A’awen program that gives hope to patients. The program is testament to Dubai Academic Health Corporation’s ‘Patient First’ promise; by taking care of their treatment, patients can focus on their healing journey without financial worry.”

Dubai Islamic Bank, the largest Islamic bank in the UAE, reaffirms its commitment to social responsibility and community development through its continued support to Al Jalila Foundation. The bank’s recent donation highlights its pioneering role in serving the UAE community, striving to empower individuals to lead happier, healthier lives. As a leading financial institution rooted in Islamic principles, Dubai Islamic Bank places great emphasis on making a positive impact on society. Its enduring partnership with Al Jalila Foundation exemplifies the bank’s unwavering dedication to philanthropy.

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, has recognised Marriott International, the world-renowned hospitality chain, as a longstanding partner and major supporter of their mission. Since the collaboration began, in 2015, Marriott International has raised AED 11 million making it the largest contribution by any hospitality chain to date.

Aligned to the vision of Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC) to work together to advance health for humanity, Al Jalila Foundation works with its partners to impact lives and shape the future of health. Philanthropic support is integral to achieving Al Jalila Foundation’s giving mission.

Every year, since 2015, Marriott International and its employees across the UAE have raised funds to give hope to sick children and their families through the ‘Road to Awareness’ fundraising campaign. The program runs throughout the year bringing together hotel employees and customers to support important humanitarian causes.

In addition to championing children’s health, Marriott International is also a regular champion in the fight to end breast cancer offering its support to Al Jalila Foundation #PINKtober campaign every October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

‘Road to Awareness’ is an annual associate fundraising program by Marriott International that has been making a valuable difference to the lives of children in the region since its inception in 2008. Every year, employees organise fundraising events to help raise funds to support the vital work local charities and organisations do to improve the lives of children. The annual cycle challenge has continued to be an anchor of the program with cyclists from across Marriott International hotels riding for charity.

Dr Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of the Al Jalila Foundation said “The Road to Awareness program is a shining example of how creative collaborations and initiatives can generate sustainable charitable revenues. As a philanthropic organisation, our ability to create lasting impact is dependent on sustainable donations. Fortunately, Marriott International has been a steadfast supporter in our efforts, sharing our vision to improve the lives of those in need. Together, with their continued support, we are able to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. We are grateful for Marriott’s extraordinary efforts and philanthropic spirit, and look forward to continue our work together to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families.”

“Marriott International is proud to have contributed to the Al Jalila Foundation’s mission over the past decade,” said Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East at Marriott International. “Our work with Al Jalila Foundation is a testament to Marriott’s commitment to serve the communities in which we operate. We recognise the critical role that Al Jalila Foundation plays in transforming lives, and we are honoured to support its work.”

Marriott International’s support of Al Jalila Foundation falls under the company’s Sustainability and Social Impact Platform, Serve 360: “Doing Good in Every Direction”, which guides how the company makes a positive and sustainable impact wherever it does business.

Pam Wilby, Chair of the UAE Marriott Business Council, said: “Since 2015 the Marriott Business Council has been supporting Al Jalila Foundation programs through a number of fundraising activities. Our Marriott associates work hard to raise funds throughout the year to support Al Jalila Foundation healthcare programs through the ‘Road to Awareness’ associates program to support patient treatment. We are very proud that more than 16,000 Marriott associates across our hotels working passionately to make a difference to the lives of women and children in the UAE.”

In 2021, the UAE Marriott Business Council sponsored the design and fit-out of Majlis Al Amal. The first of its kind community centre provides a safe, nurturing environment for women affected by cancer. It is a ‘home away from home’ to support patients and survivors’ wellbeing.

Pam Wilby added “We have been on an immensely gratifying, philanthropic journey with Al Jalila Foundation for several years now, and we remain committed to our relationship and the lives it impacts.”

Marriott International strives to be a force for good and their contribution to Al Jalila Foundation is a testament to the company’s commitment to social responsibility and making a positive, sustainable impact in the communities they operate in. The company has a long history of supporting local and global organisations through charitable giving and volunteerism.

Al Jalila Foundation, a non-profit healthcare organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, and a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced today that it has launched the first-ever collection of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) by a charity in the UAE.

The collection, titled ‘A Fingerprint on Humanity’, is the brainchild of visionary Emirati artist Maisoon Al Saleh and aims to raise awareness and generate funds for patients impacted by life-threatening diseases in the UAE.

Dr Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said, “In accordance with the Dubai Metaverse Strategy to become a worldwide hub for the metaverse community, we are proud to be the first healthcare charity in the UAE to accept donations in cryptocurrencies, bridging the gap between physical and digital currency. Our inaugural NFT collection, ‘A Fingerprint of Humanity,’ encourages our donor community to make a positive impact on patients. This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to promote innovation within our fund-raising channels and provide donors worldwide with the convenience of supporting our healthcare programmes.”

The collection comprises five one-of-a-kind NFTs, with each NFT illustrated as a letter that contains the most precious content: ‘hope’. Each letter represents a particular cause, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and obesity. Drawing inspiration from Al Jalila Foundation’s ground-breaking donor recognition wall, ‘Bassmat Rashid Bin Saeed’, Maisoon has incorporated a fingerprint on each wax seal that adorns the letters. The fingerprint symbolises the enduring impact that every individual can make on society.

Every NFT in the collection is colour-coded to signify a specific cause, and 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each NFT will go toward supporting Al Jalila Foundation. By possessing one of these exclusive NFTs, collectors can establish a legacy and contribute positively to society, one NFT at a time.

Maisoon Al Saleh, the artist behind the charitable NFT, expressed: “I urge artists to use their creative talents to support a charitable cause. My association with Al Jalila Foundation dates back to 2014 when I curated an art exhibition that led to the creation of this series of NFTs.”

The NFT collection was unveiled at Arts DAO Fest, a pioneering cultural festival that celebrates digital art and internet culture, bringing together worldwide industry experts and leaders. The festival was organised by the Dubai-based Arts DAO, which represents the Middle East’s most extensive web3 community.

Anas Bhurtun, Co-founder and CEO of Arts DAO, expressed his excitement by stating: “We are delighted to have Al Jalila Foundation as a charity partner for Arts DAO Fest. Innovation is the driving force behind Arts DAO, and when we learned that Al Jalila Foundation would become the first charitable organisation to release NFTs to raise funds for patient treatment and medical research, we knew we had to introduce them to the web3 community we’ve established here in the Middle East.”

The NFT collection is currently up for sale on OpenSea in Ethereum and the ftNFT Marketplace in the UAE Dirham.

Vigen Badalyan, Co-Founder of ftNFT, commented: “We are honoured to have been chosen as the preferred platform by Al Jalila Foundation to unveil the UAE’s first charitable NFT. Our distinctive platform enables our clients to purchase NFTs in the UAE Dirham, which sets us apart from others. We are delighted to be part of such initiatives that make a significant contribution to the community.”

NFTs are digital assets that represent ownership or proof of authenticity of a unique item or piece of content such as art, music, videos, or even tweets. They are based on blockchain technology and can be bought and sold like traditional assets, but they are distinguishable from one another and cannot be exchanged for one another, hence the name “non-fungible”. NFTs have gained popularity in recent years as a way for artists and creators to monetise their digital creations and for collectors to own one-of-a-kind digital assets.

Al Jalila Foundation, a philanthropic healthcare organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, announced the launch of a new cycle of grants to support cancer research in the UAE.

The new cycle, which will award grants to UAE-based scientists, is in line with the vision of the Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC) to advance health for humanity. It also reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading destination in the field of medical education, research and scientific innovation.

Al Jalila Foundation is inviting applications to conduct a two-year cancer research study to address local and regional needs. The new grant cycle will provide up to AED300,000 to support basic science, translational and clinical research projects. The grants are available to UAE nationals and residents, provided they conduct the research in the UAE. Applicants should also be holding positions at universities, research or clinical institutions in the UAE.

According to the Foundation, the applications will be assessed through an independent, international peer review process that will be overseen by a scientific advisory committee. The committee will consist of specialised experts in the region, who will work with the international peer review panel, to award research grants to the most deserving scientists.

Dr Amer Al Zarooni, Vice President of Administration and Professional Services of MBRU and Acting CEO of  Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Al Jalila Foundation’s latest grant cycle, which is in line with DAHC’s ‘Patient First’ mission, will further support our efforts to advance scientific discovery and promote better health outcomes to improve the wellbeing of cancer patients in the UAE. The Foundation’s investment in medical research reaffirms our commitment to the UAE’s long-term healthcare strategy. By supporting talented scientists, we are investing in the next generation of innovators in health sciences and paving the way for medical breakthroughs to transform lives.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for one in six deaths. The cancer burden continues to grow globally, exerting tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems.  Cancer research – to discover, detect, prevent, and treat the disease – is integral to progress in understanding the fundamental biology of cancer and new prevention measures, tests and treatments.

Since 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has awarded more than AED28 million in research grants in a number of areas including cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Applications are open until 16 January, 2023. Scientists interested to apply for a research grant can visit Al Jalila Foundation’s website:  https://www.aljalilafoundation.ae/what-we-do/research/seed-grants/

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, celebrated the 17th anniversary of longstanding partner Brest Friends acknowledging the impact the home-grown program has contributed to breast cancer awareness in the UAE.

It is estimated that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and it is the second leading cause of death among women. Studies show that when breast cancer is detected and treated early the survival rate is 99 percent. Al Jalila Foundation and Brest Friends work together to raise awareness on early detection.

Brest Friends was established in 2005 as the first breast cancer support group in the UAE, by Dr Houriya Kazim, the UAE’s first female surgeon, with the mission to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer and providing a platform where patients and survivors can learn, share experiences and offer moral and emotional support to each other which has proven to be instrumental in a woman’s healing process. It is thanks to Dr Houriya’s dedication and foresight, almost 20 years ago, to create a special movement that has impacted thousands of women and inspired the community. What was once a taboo subject has transformed into a national conversation promoting breast cancer awareness nation-wide.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Brest Friends is an organisation that is a shining example of what can be accomplished when you nourish one small seed with courage, dedication and passion. Today we see the astonishing growth of that seed as the movement against breast cancer has never been bigger with a wider community reach. It is undeniable that the incredible work of Brest Friends over the last 17 years has saved more lives than we will ever know. We commend Dr Houriya, the Brest Friends Board and the community of breast cancer warriors on their dedication and we could not be more proud of the great impact their work has had on the lives of women.”

Dr Houriya Kazim, Founder and President of Brest Friends, said: “When I started Brest Friends, the only qualifications that I brought to the task were the experience of treating breast cancer patients and the desire to help my patients survive the experience. But here we are – 17 years of giving our members a nurturing, safe and fun environment where women are supported as they go through the difficult breast cancer journey. Cancer is an individual experience; each person has a unique path and we are in awe of all the incredible women who have been a part of the Brest Friends family who have met challenges with such a strength of spirit and grace. It takes my breath away. These women are testament that breast cancer can be beaten and that there is life after cancer.”

The anniversary luncheon was held at Rhodes W1 at Grosvenor House, sponsored by Marriott Business Council, commemorating the positive impact Brest Friends has had on women in the UAE. It was a celebration of 17 years of friendships and an opportunity to honour the brave women who have faced breast cancer with incredible courage, grace and hope.

Pam Wilby, Chair of the UAE Marriott Business Council, said: “My team and I were thrilled to once again host the Brest Friends anniversary and share in the celebrations of such a joyous occasion – it’s so inspiring to be among so many incredible women and to be able to celebrate each of them and their triumphant journey.”

Pam added: “Since 2015 the Marriott Business Council has been supporting Al Jalila Foundation programs through a number of fundraising activities. Our Marriott associates work hard to raise funds throughout the year to support Al Jalila Foundation healthcare programs including the partnership with Brest Friends. I am very proud that that we now have 69 Marriott hotels and 16,000 Marriott associates working passionately to make a difference to the lives of women in the UAE.”

To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Al Jalila Foundation launched the 8th edition of #PINKtober in partnership with Brest Friends. The month-long community campaign unites hundreds of partners – ranging from schools, corporates, hospitality, retailers and government entities – who host pink-themed events across the UAE to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and patient treatment.