Abu Dhabi hosts five-day Ataya charity exhibition 2016 tomorrow

Ataya (meaning giving), a charity exhibition organized by the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) to support charitable establishments with funds raised from the exhibition, will return to the capital, Abu Dhabi, for the fifth year running under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, wife of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the ERC, Assistant to the ERC Chairman for Humanitarian Affairs and Chairperson of the Attaya's Higher Organising Committee.

Organisers say this year's theme will be education, and revenues from the five-day charity event will be used to fund the construction of five schools in Yemen (Socotra), Egypt, Mauritania, Afghanistan and the Philippines.

Dr. Hamdan Al Mazrouie, Chairman of the ERC's Board, affirmed that Ataya is one of the community-driven pioneering initiatives seeking to improve living conditions of vulnerable segments and help them fulfill their aspirations for a decent life through delivery of much-needed basic requirements.

''No doubt, the ERC's initiative was launched to promote and deliver the international humanitarian message of the UAE as one of the world's key donors of Official Development Assistance (ODA) under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and support of both Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the follow up of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the ERC,'' he said.

The initiative, he stated, had implemented the principle of continuity and sustainability of humanitarian work and sound planning for finding effective solutions to the most pressing humanitarian challenges in keeping with a forward vision and through innovative methods.

According to him, Ataya had built an alliance of the forces of good within the UAE and from abroad to address humanitarian challenges that many communities were facing.

''The initiative was a natural response to the reality of suffering and hardship that many people are enduring now,'' he affirmed.

He explained that education - the theme of this year's edition - is one of the most pressing challenges facing many communities around us as a result of crises and catastrophes.

''This year, Ataya will address the issue of education with the aim of spreading learning and knowledge in some countries as key and vital contributors to human and humanitarian development and the first line of defence against ignorance and destructive ideologies,'' he added.

''Education has severely deteriorated. Millions of children have no access to education and become refugees as a result of instability in some countries struck by crises and wars. In this context, Ataya will spotlight the deteriorating condition of education in these countries and rally support and raise funds to provide learning to those innocent children,'' he said.

The charity exhibition will return to the capital, Abu Dhabi, again from May 8 to 12, 2016, at IPIC ARENA, Zayed Sports City, to showcase a wide range and variety of distinctive fashion, jewellery, home accessories and furniture prepared by 105 talented regional and international designers and artists. Ataya aims to support charitable establishments with funds raised from the proceeds of the exhibition, focus on building community service awareness among locals and younger generations, raise awareness and stress on the need for society to be a vital part of supporting the less fortunate, support local, regional, international projects and small businesses.

Just as in the past, this year’s collections from Ataya will be dedicated to a noble cause. It will fund, design and build five schools in different war torn countries in the world where children can attend regular classes, lay the foundation for a brighter future and help realize their dreams.

In 2012, Ataya's proceeds went to supporting the Children’s Cancer Centre in Lebanon, while revenues earned through donations, sponsorships and ticket sales in 2013 were used towards supporting 11 Autistic children and Autism Centres within the UAE as well as centres for children with special needs. In 2014, the proceeds were used to support the Faraj Fund which helps free the UAE prisoners indicted for financial debts, reuniting them with their families and giving them a second chance in life.

The 2015 revenues were used to build and operate a specialist women and children’s hospital in Northern Iraq, close to the city of Erbil.

Source :WAM