H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) for Women Affairs, Chairperson of the Higher Committee of the Ataya Initiative, and the wife of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, said the Ataya Initiative will begin its second decade this year.
Innovative solutions to several humanitarian issues were implemented and a number of successful vital projects were completed in many countries during the initiative’s previous editions, she added.
Sheikha Shamsa made this statement during her speech, delivered on her behalf by Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), during a virtual press conference held yesterday to announce the launch of the 11th Ataya Charity Exhibition, held from 28th February to 4th March in the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi, with the participation of some 100 exhibitors from both inside and outside the country. The proceeds of the event will be donated to support refugees.
In her speech, Sheikha Shamsa said Ataya has implemented many vital projects, including establishing hospitals and health centres, paying for the medical treatment of thousands of patients, constructing schools and houses, and supporting nursing staff in many countries in addressing COVID-19.
The initiative decided to allocate the proceeds of this year’s exhibition to support refugees forced to leave their homes due to conflicts, wars and lack of security, and aims to empower refugees and teach them about various professions and industries, she added.
It also aims to empower 2,000 refugee families in Jordan and Iraq, establish productive agriculture and livestock projects in rural areas, and teach digital skills to hundreds of refugees, in cooperation with relevant international organisations, she further added.
Ataya (means ‘giving’ in Arabic) is an exhibition for charity organized by ERC under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.
The annual exhibition has quickly become a landmark in Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar, where a wide range of fresh and distinct fashion wear, jewellery, home accessories and furniture is exhibited and sold.
Source: Emirates News Agency