Sandooq Al Watan, 'Nation's Fund', a national initiative launched by UAE businessmen with an aim to develop the UAE’s human capital and contribute to the building of a sustainable knowledge economy, announced that Emirati businessman Badr Jafar has joined the ranks of its supporters, bringing up the number of donors to 34 businessmen and 51 private companies.
Sandooq Al Watan is an initiative launched to reinforce corporate responsibility towards the sustainable development of the UAE’s economy. In its mission to empower the Emirati citizens and society, the fund provides growth opportunities that have the power to unleash the fullest potential of individuals to allow them to contribute fully to this nation, guided by the UAE’s leadership vision for sustainable development.
Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises and Founder of the Pearl Initiative, said: “It is an honour to join a long list of socially responsible Emirati business leaders who have supported Sandooq Al Watan. This initiative is exemplary in how it fosters private sector collaboration to scale impact and contribute to a sustainable knowledge economy for the UAE in line with our national agenda.”
Sandooq Al Watan’s Board of Directors lauded the generous support the fund has been receiving from the UAE business community, which reflects the local community’s commitment to social responsibility. Moreover, the Chairman of the Board expressed the fund’s gratitude towards Badr Jafar and everyone who have supported Sandooq Al Watan in its efforts to benefit the larger community.
Since its inception, Sandooq Al Watan has received over 700 million dirhmas, achieving 70 per cent of the fund’s target of one billion dirhams by 2020.
With the support of the local business community, Sandooq Al Watan seeks to support the development of nation-building projects by participating in initiatives and adopting entrepreneurial and innovative ideas.
Through its various programmes, Sandooq Al Watan fosters development in four focus areas that have the potential to drive positive social impact in the Emirati society, namely: sponsoring talented individuals, professional mentorship to upskill the youth, promoting start-ups with social impact, and supporting applied research and innovation.
