Ministry of Social Affairs Launches 'Dirham Wa Bas' Campaign"

Campaign to raise funds for social and development projects in the UAE

The Social Responsibility Fund, an Initiative of the Ministry of Social Affairs, today announced the launch of 'Dirham Wa Bas' Campaign (One Dirham Only), a campaign for raising funds for social care and development projects in the UAE.

Supported by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the "Dirham Wa Bas Campaign" invites financial contributions from the public to support the Social Responsibility Fund. By encouraging contributions of as little as a dirham, the Campaign seeks to facilitate public participation in the fund-raising effort.

Donation boxes placed across the UAE, including all Emarat petrol stations, major shopping malls and retail stores, will enable all members of the public to contribute to the Campaign.

Launching the Campaign at a press conference held at DIFC, Her Excellency Maryam Al Roumi, the UAE Minister of Social Affairs said: "The 'Dirham Wa Bas' Campaign is one of the initiatives of the Social Responsibility Fund aimed at supporting sections of society, which need our help, such as people with limited income, disabilities and the elderly. Everyone can contribute to this Campaign. All financial contributions starting from as little as one dirham are needed and appreciated. The Campaign is part of the Social Responsibility Fund's objective of bridging the gap between the public and private sector and uniting them to address and solve social and community issues."

"The 'Dirham Wa Bas' Campaign will tap the power of public participation in contributing towards social causes in the UAE. Small contributions can add up to make a huge difference. We seek the support of all members of the public across the UAE to make the Dirham Wa Bas Campaign a success," the Minister added.

The Dubai International Financial Centre will actively support the roll-out of the campaign by providing their expertise and marketing support to develop publicity campaigns that will help the 'Dirham Wa Bas' Campaign reach out to the retail industry and the UAE public.   

Nasser Al Shaali, CEO of DIFC Authority, who also attended the launch said: "The 'Dirham Wa Bas' Campaign is a wonderful example of how different arms of society, including the Government and the private sector, can work together to involve the individual in contributing towards social issues in the UAE. DIFC’s support for the Campaign is based on our strong belief that corporate organisations have an important role to play in the development and welfare of the community. We are committed to contributing to the well-being of the larger society we are part of."

Osman Sultan, CEO du, expressed his gratitude to the fund of the Social Responsibility at the Ministry of Social Affairs for inviting du to participate in this national initiative and thanked the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) for their role in it.

We are keen to be part of the 'Dirham Wa Bas' Campaign (One Dirham Only) as it is in line with du's CSR strategy and our belief in the importance of partnership between private and governmental sectors for the good of society" he added.

"We wish this initiative all success in achieving its noble goal of contributing to the good of the community" he concluded.

The 'Dirham Wa Bas' Campaign is a programme launched to support the Social Responsibility Fund an initiative of the Ministry of Social Affairs aimed at financing social care and social development projects in the United Arab Emirates. Part of the Ministry's strategy for 2008-2010, the mission of the Fund is to support social projects that have the potential to contribute to the enhancement of society while fostering cooperation between the private and public sector in contributing towards social responsibility projects.