Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, today opened at the IPIC Irena Abu Dhabi, the 5th Ataya Charity Exhibition 2016, being held 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 Emirates Red Crescent (ERC).

Sheikha Shamsa is also Assistant to the ERC Chairman for Humanitarian Affairs and Chairperson of the Attaya's Higher Organising Committee.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Sheikh Hazza bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Yas bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Board of Directors Chairman of the ERC and a number of ERC officials and exhibitors at the event, which will run until 12th May.

The proceeds of the exhibition will be allocated to build five schools in Socotra Archipelago in Yemen, Egypt, Mauritania, Afghanistan and the Philippines.

Sheikh Nahyan expressed his admiration about products being showcased at the exhibition, adding that they display heritage arts and famous industries in each participating country. He said, "We had been brought up by leaders who believed in charity and helping the disadvantaged groups," and cited the late Sheikh Zayed who planted the values of charity, now being carried forward by the current leadership.

He also hailed the role of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, in supporting the humanitarian work.

While thanking Sheikha Shamsa for sponsoring and heading this initiative, Sheikh Nahyan said the Ataya Exhibition has earned a good reputation to help the needy. He added that the proceeds will be allocated to building five schools to bring up a generation which will benefit their communities.

Source :WAM