Dubai-UAE: July 03, 2013 - Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) has announced its sponsorship of a Hajj trip for 10 reformed addicts for the second consecutive year. As part of this humanitarian initiative, AMAF will allocate a fund of AED 200,000 to help the beneficiaries perform the Hajj for the current year 1434 AH.

The announcement was made by Ahmed Bu Shehab, Director of Institutional Support Department, AMAF, in the presence of Colonel Khaled Saleh Al Kuwari, Director of the General Department of Anti-Narcotics at Dubai Police, and Major Dr. Jumaa Sultan Al Shamsi, Director of Awareness and Precaution at the General Department of Anti–Narcotics, and Ahmed Bani Yas, Director of Financial Affairs Department at the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation.

Ahmed Bu Shehab said: “We believe that gentle persuasion and positive reinforcement always produce the desired reform. The positive efforts of individuals, no matter how different their social status, should also be rewarded. AMAF has pledged to cover all expenses of this trip to enable the reformed beneficiaries to perform the Hajj this year and encourage them to start a new life.

“Our support to this category comes in line with our aim to highlight AMAF's role as an institution that prioritizes the affairs of the Islamic community. Through this initiative, we also seek to promote a culture of giving and philanthropy in the UAE society, and look forward to further cooperation with Dubai Police for the benefit of the country and its people.”

Colonel Khaled commended the initiative of the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation and explained that the Dubai Police, represented by the General Department of Anti–Narcotics, is keen to support every reformed addict and seek in every way to re-integrate the individual into mainstream society as a valuable and contributing member.

He said: “We are conscious that the potential of such individuals must not be wasted, but rather be utilized in a constructive way for their own personal benefit, as well as their families and the community in general. The General Department of Anti–Narcotics is aggressively promoting awareness amongst people to caution them against consuming drugs through hosting a series of educational lectures in all government departments, schools, and public and private universities. We also hold periodic exhibitions and outreach programs across the UAE to send the message out to the wider public.”

Operating according to the guidelines of best practices in corporate governance, AMAF is considered the primary reference for endowments in Dubai and the authorized body for the welfare of minors. The Foundation is reputed among the community, endowers and private institutions across the globe for its transparent operation that includes the issuance of periodic reports to endowers and guardians of minors. AMAF comprises a highly-qualified management and specialized human resources team, a majority of who are UAE nationals.