Dubai: The Endowments and Minors’ Trust Foundation in Dubai (Awqaf Dubai) has officially launched the third phase of the Dubai Government Employees’ Endowment for Hajj and Umrah.
According to Emirates News Agency, this initiative builds on the success of previous phases, aiming to instill a culture of endowment and charitable giving among Dubai’s public sector workforce. The third phase introduces a new endowment project in the Al Rashidiya area, funded entirely by voluntary contributions from Dubai Government employees. The project comprises two residential villas valued at approximately AED8 million, including land and construction costs. With construction estimated at AED5 million, the endowment is projected to yield an annual return of 10%.
The revenues generated from the endowment will be allocated to cover Hajj and Umrah expenses for low-income individuals and eligible community members, thus promoting social solidarity and enabling them to fulfill their religious duties. Employees can make contributions through the ‘Smart Employee’ application, managed by Digital Dubai, allowing for automated monthly deductions that Awqaf Dubai aggregates to fund the endowment’s construction and management.
Ali Al Mutawa, Secretary General of Awqaf Dubai, highlighted the strong response from government employees in previous cycles. He stated, “This initiative exemplifies the spirit of compassion inherent in our community. It aligns with our leadership’s vision to institutionalize innovative endowments that address the diverse needs of society.”
Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR), emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative, noting that it supports the Dubai Social Agenda 33 by fostering a cohesive and collaborative society. He remarked that human capital is viewed as the primary driver of Dubai’s future, with employee empowerment playing a crucial role in creating a lasting social impact.
Matar Al Hemeiri, CEO of the Digital Dubai Government Establishment, underscored the role of technology in facilitating charitable work. He noted, “Digital Dubai’s involvement underscores our belief that technology’s greatest value lies in its ability to serve people. By integrating government efforts, we are leveraging digital transformation to turn human values into a sustainable, transparent, and easily accessible impact.”
Since its inception in 2022, the Dubai Government Employees’ Endowment, in collaboration with DGHR and Digital Dubai, has involved more than 4,000 employees from 44 government entities. The initiative has successfully funded endowments that support general humanitarian causes and the printing of the Holy Quran.
