Microsoft donates $5m in software to non-profit organsitions in UAE

Microsoft Gulf is offering more technical support as part of its Software Donation Program to non-profit organizations in the UAE in line with Emirates Charity e-Portal, launched by Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) at Gitex 2013. Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Director of Charity Organisations, IACAD, said IACAD had already signed a memorandum of understanding with Microsoft to use its Software Donation Program as a key platform for its Emirates Charity e-Portal. He said through this partnership, nine non-profit organizations across the UAE received access to the latest Microsoft technology that will in return, enhance their abilities to service the community. In Phase One, he added, Microsoft donated US$ 2 worth of software to these charities. Software in value of US$ 3 million will be donated in Phase Two to other charities in Dubai and across the UAE. The IACAD official paid gratitude to Microsoft for the technical support it provided to IACAD. The Software Donation Program is a global initiative by Microsoft that provides over 60,000 non-profit organizations around the world. Through this program, non-profit organizations are empowered to, operate more effectively, enhancing their services to the community. The program has already provided more than $3.9 billion worth of software to non-profits around the world since its establishment in 1998. As a result of the collaboration in the UAE, the software portfolio available to these non-profits includes Microsoft 's latest productivity solutions such as Windows Client, Office, SQL Server, and SharePoint Server. Microsoft says it is committed to making technology more accessible, enabling nonprofits to increase their productivity, reach more people and deliver new, improved services that directly help local communities. The Program was designed to be more relevant and accessible to a larger number of nonprofits in the UAE, which will in turn have a positive impact in local communities across the country. Nonprofits and non-governmental organizations must be recognized as charitable organizations in their respective countries in order to be eligible for Microsoft Nonprofit Programs. Eligible organizations must also operate on a not-for-profit basis and have a mission to benefit the local community that could include, but is not limited to: Providing relief to the poor Advancing education Improving social welfare Preserving culture Preserving or restoring the environment Promoting human rights Establishment of civil society WAM/tfaham