National Bonds, the Sharia-compliant national savings scheme of the UAE, today announced its sponsorship of a Zayed University (ZU) eyeglass donation campaign, which is also supported by The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charity and Humanitarian Establishment.
The campaign, organised by ZU students, aims to encourage the public to donate used eyeglasses and sunglasses for the benefit of the disadvantaged around the world. Donations will be accepted from April 8-15, 2008, at dedicated boxes available at Al Jaber Optical outlets, Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Festival City.
According to Mohammad Qasim Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer, National Bonds, “National Bonds has always been a strong advocate of community programmes as we continuously strive to develop various initiatives in the housing, education and healthcare sector of the emirate. As such, we are pleased to be part of this noble cause and provide the underprivileged with the gift of sight.”
The launch of this campaign coincides with the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Redevelopment Conference and Exhibition, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, from April 8-10, 2008. Three ZU students will have a stand at this exhibition to present their charity project to the public.
Recycling used eyeglasses provides those in developing nations with access to proper eyeglasses, and therefore the opportunity to secure jobs and education. According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 44 per cent of men, women, and children in developing countries are in need of eyeglasses.
About National Bonds Corporation:
A private shareholding company, National Bonds Corporation (NBC) is a Dubai-based entity that was launched in March 2006. The Government of Dubai holds a 50 per cent ownership in the company with each of its local shareholders, comprising Dubai Bank, Dubai Holding and Emaar Properties, holding 16.6 per cent ownership respectively. National Bonds Corporation is Sharia compliant, with a dedicated Sharia Board to oversee all financial aspects, including product-related operations and investments.
Since its launch in 2006, National Bonds has come up with various successful initiatives in community development. In December 2006, it launched “Skycourts,” the elegant and affordable freehold residential community in the heart of Dubailand Residence Complex. In 2007, National Bonds launched National Properties, a wholly owned, full-service real estate subsidiary that offers distinctive homes and lifestyle options to the multinational UAE community. They also launched Madaares PJSC, an initiative aimed at raising quality standards in the region’s education sector. Madaares has acquired Taaleem and its associate Beacon Education, a leading provider of high-end primary and secondary education in the Gulf region consolidate its position in the fast-growing education sector
About National Bonds:
National Bonds is the National Saving Scheme of the UAE that provides UAE nationals, UAE residents and non-residents over the age of 16 with a credible, safe and Sharia-compliant savings opportunity. Minors can also own National Bonds, provided the bonds are purchased by the parent/guardian. Each bond costs AED 10, with a minimum purchase of AED 100; bonds are available in over 200 outlets across the UAE.
National Bonds offers all participants the opportunity to win up to AED 1 million in monthly draws. The programme is based on the Islamic principle of Mudaraba, whereby at the end of the financial year 20 per cent of the profits made by the National Bonds Corporation (NBC) will be distributed among bondholders.
