His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, President of Zayed University, stresses on the importance of contributions by various organizations and individuals to support and fund the Zayed University Foundation. The Zayed University Foundation was recently established to work on partnership to promote highly developed academic programs and scientific research. This was his Excellency’s message at a press conference organized by Zayed University yesterday morning at its Dubai Campus, Academic City. His Excellency Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre, Chairman of the Zayed University Foundation and Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim, Vice President of Zayed University and Dr. Dan Johnson, Zayed University’s Provost and Safia AlRaqbani, Chief Development officer attended the press conference.

“The establishment of the Zayed University Foundation complements the long-term efforts by the University to be internationally recognized and to attract prominent, individuals and organizations to take part in this initiative. The contributions of individuals and organizations reflects the effective partnerships between the community and the university. With the strong and progressive support of contributors, Zayed University will continue its significant efforts to achieve excellence throughout its programs and activities in a comprehensive manner.” His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan said.

On his part, His Excellency Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer said that the community’s participation has become an important element in supporting the development programs of different fields ,which is keeping with wisdom of our founder - Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan - when he said, "The process of development and construction does not depend on those in positions of responsibility, you need to combine all the efforts of each citizen in this country. "
Al Tayer added that Zayed University’s initiative with the establishment of the University Foundation is a practical manifestation of the far-sighted vision in reviving the rubric “wakf” tradition, which contributed to the advancement of Islamic civilization.  He indicated that Zayed University is focused on developing its projects and programs continuously  to prepare students to attain the highest quality of educational to support the country and the region.
Al Tayer emphasized the Zayed University Foundation endowment fund is considered a cornerstone of the pioneering determination of the United Arab Emirates and a major pillar which aims to encourage and motivate various individuals and organizations  to invest in Education to upgrade and secure the future of our youngsters and coming generations.

Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim, Vice President of Zayed University stated that the foundation committee launched several programs with strategic priorities which includes Chairs and professorship, capital and infrastructure projects, technology, scholarships and student financial fund. The foundation aims to strengthen financial resources for the University like prestigious universities around the world. These valuable resources will help strengthen ties between the university and the community. The Foundation Committee shall propose acceptance of contributions, donations, bequests, endowments, and grants to support the University’s mission, objectives and programs. The foundation committee also manages the investment of the Endowment Fund’s monies, as well as the development and implementation procedures to ensure funding sources to the Endowment Fund aiming to support the plans and programs of the University.

Al Jassim said that His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan announced the formation of  a permanent committee to manage the fund under the chairmanship of His Excellency Ahmed Al Tayer followed by the membership of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan and the Vice President of the University, University Provost and Chief Administration & Finance Officer and Chief Development Officer. The committee will work on increasing contributions and oversee the investment of funds.
Safia AlRaqbani, Chief Development Officer said “The Zayed University Foundation is a new collaboration between the University and the community that strengthen the University financially and develop various projects to enhance its academic programs and achieve excellent learning outcomes.

“Contributors will be given naming rights for endowments for their chosen specializations. Capital and infrastructure projects as one of the funder’s choice reflects the university’s determination to provide an inspiring educational environment by updating laboratories, class rooms, and enhancing the libraries to contribute to academic achievement. Endowments have been a core element in Islamic history and have played a leading role in preserving Islamic heritage and producing numerous scholars who strongly influenced the intellectual and academic history of humanity. The Zayed University Foundation strives to provide institutions and individuals with opportunities to share social responsibility within a strong UAE economic context. Contributing to the Foundation shall indeed serve as a  key model for  giving to prepare the future leaders of our Nation. The  Foundation will promote learning with state-of-the-art technology, learning resources and teaching methods to empower students with special needs. Scholarships will provide opportunities for students to achieve their undergraduate and graduate studies. Endowments may be named in recognition of a donor who may designate a donation investments to meet a specific need. The foundation embodies the values and virtues of Emirati society. Donors may establish an endowment in their own name or in honor of someone else to serve students in need”.  AlRaqbani added