Everything You Need To Know About The UAE Flag Carrier’s Charity

From its inception 20 years ago on February 25th, 2003, The Emirates Airline Foundation has supported over 50 charitable projects across the globe, helping improve the quality of life for those in need across the developing world. Currently, the carrier’s charitable organization supports 14 major projects across nine different nations.

Spread across projects in the health, affordable housing, food, and education sectors, the foundation currently supports underprivileged communities in Brazil, multiple coastal African nations, and across South Asia. Some of the foundation’s projects are also based at home in the United Arab Emirates.

The foundation’s mission

The foundation was launched with the intention of giving back to communities across the globe. According to the foundation’s website, its mission is succinctly described as follows:

“As an organization dedicated to transforming lives, The Emirates Airline Foundation supports some of the most deserving social causes that develop initiatives to solve the issues. We focus mainly on programs for underprivileged children and work hard to ensure all donations are used to create the greatest impact.”

Clearly, since its creation, the foundation has stayed true to its purpose, helping support essential initiatives across the globe. For many, the foundation’s projects are truly life-saving.

An example project: The Emirates Friendship Hospital Ship

For 14 years now, The Emirates Friendship Hospital Ship has traveled across Bangladesh, serving over 600,000 people with vital medical assistance up and down the nation’s Brahmaputra River. The floating hospital, which maintains all the same facilities as a traditional hospital, anchors for up to six weeks at a time and provides crucial services to those in need.

The idea for such a floating hospital originated with Runa Khan, a sailing enthusiast who identified the need for medical care in remote areas of the nation. During months of monsoon flooding, a floating hospital has proven to be an incredible asset for the country.

Another Example Project: Alfajiri Street Kids Art

The foundation’s Alfajiri program uniquely supports street children and orphans in Kenya. The center has taken in over 100 children throughout its existence and places a particular emphasis on art therapy.

For a child on any given day, the center not only provides a shower, food, and clean clothes but also the opportunity to engage in art projects with fellow children. Furthermore, the center hosts other recreational activities, including dances and soccer matches.

According to the shelter’s philosophy, creativity and inspiration can have a healing effect on children. Lenore Boyd, the founder of the shelter, describes its impact on orphaned children,

“Freedom to paint and draw is our aim, and we encourage these children to paint their experiences. They also love to paint portraits of each other, the homes that they long for, the countryside, life in the street or just enjoy colour and line.”

This project stands as a testament to the truly life-changing work of The Emirates Airline Foundation. A variety of images of the artwork of Alfajiri’s children can be viewed on the foundation’s website.

Sources: Emirates Airline Foundation