Ma'an, an Abu Dhabi organisation renowned for its community initiatives, allocated Dh91 million in support of 57 projects last year. The figures were revealed in its report for 2023 which was released on Wednesday.
It was estimated that more than 430,000 people benefitted from its initiatives across the fundraising, volunteering and social enterprise sectors. Formed in 2019 by the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, Ma’an directs funding from the public and private sectors to address social challenges.
“The achievements outlined in the 2023 Impact Report are a testament to our collective efforts in generating genuine positive impact," said Faisal Alhmoudi, executive director of the social investment fund at the Ma’an, which is also known as the Authority of Social Contribution.
“With 100 per cent of contributions from the community deployed directly to social projects that target social priorities and improve the lives of many, together with our partners we are working towards our common goal to build a cohesive community that looks after its own.”
The new report shows a marked increase in the contributions it received from previous years. In 2021, the figure was Dh2.3 million, the latest figures show that rose to Dh16.4 million last year.
The group's platform to assist firms with their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals received corporate donations of Dh34.2 million last year, compared to Dh1.6 million in 2021.
“By fostering partnerships with the public, private, and social sectors, the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an is empowering the community of the third sector, non-profits and social enterprises to address pressing social priorities in Abu Dhabi," said Salem Ali Al Shamsi, social incubation and contracting executive director with Ma’an.
"Last year represented a significant milestone in our efforts to nurture the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the capital. We have enabled a growing number of social entrepreneurs throughout the years by providing them with guidance, financial support, and mentorship, leading to a significant rise in social enterprises that are fully equipped to support members of the Abu Dhabi community.
“Moreover, we enable non-profit organisations by equipping them with the resources, incentives, and support in order to develop offerings and improve quality of service of programmes and initiatives aimed at achieving a sustainable and tangible social impact.”
In 2023, Ma'an initiated three social impact bonds (SIBs) and 11 social impact contracts worth more than Dh47 million in collaboration with a total of 21 partners from the private, public and the third sector, benefitting almost 11,000 service users. The third sector is the name given to organisations or groups whose main purpose is social development rather than profit.
The Ma’an Social Incubator (MSI) launched eight groups focusing on social challenges including the disabled, mental wellbeing, financial literacy, family cohesion, and the environment. The incubator supports the next wave of social entrepreneurs by offering funding, networking, and mentorship.
“The achievements of 2023 demonstrate our ability to unite both community efforts and corporate resources to deliver sustainable solutions," said Maysa Al Nowais, executive director of community engagement and volunteering sector with Ma'an. "Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Abu Dhabi – one where every contribution plays a pivotal role in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future."
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
WHAT ARE NFTs?
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are tokens that represent ownership of unique items. They allow the tokenisation of things such as art, collectibles and even real estate.
An NFT can have only one official owner at one time. And since they're minted and secured on the Ethereum blockchain, no one can modify the record of ownership, not even copy-paste it into a new one.
This means NFTs are not interchangeable and cannot be exchanged with other items. In contrast, fungible items, such as fiat currencies, can be exchanged because their value defines them rather than their unique properties.
SCORES IN BRIEF
New Zealand 153 and 56 for 1 in 22.4 overs at close
Pakistan 227
(Babar 62, Asad 43, Boult 4-54, De Grandhomme 2-30, Patel 2-64)
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital
Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
UK’s AI plan
- AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
- £10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
- £100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
- £250m to train new AI models
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Evacuations to France hit by controversy
- Over 500 Gazans have been evacuated to France since November 2023
- Evacuations were paused after a student already in France posted anti-Semitic content and was subsequently expelled to Qatar
- The Foreign Ministry launched a review to determine how authorities failed to detect the posts before her entry
- Artists and researchers fall under a programme called Pause that began in 2017
- It has benefited more than 700 people from 44 countries, including Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Sudan
- Since the start of the Gaza war, it has also included 45 Gazan beneficiaries
- Unlike students, they are allowed to bring their families to France
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
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Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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The Saga Continues
Wu-Tang Clan
(36 Chambers / Entertainment One)
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
