In alignment with the UAE’s Year of Community initiative, which aims to foster inclusive spaces for collaboration and belonging, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has completed the first phase of the Community Contribution Project building in the Al Mafraq area, in partnership with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an. Spanning 4,300sqm, the building is designed to empower and support exceptional students throughout their academic journeys.
At 30% completion, the milestone was celebrated by Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of ADU, His Excellency Abdullah Al Ameri, Director General of the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, and His Excellency Faisal Alhmoudi, Executive Director of the Social Investment Fund at Ma’an, along with distinguished representatives from both organizations.
Through this initiative, the building will feature six shops, 16 offices, four warehouses and a marketplace. ADU will lease the building to community members, supporting local business growth. Furthermore, a proportion of rental revenue will be dedicated to support student financing through scholarships
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University (ADU), said: “This project represents a significant milestone in ADU’s commitment to fostering a culture of giving and creating a lasting positive impact in the UAE and beyond. Through collaborating with the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma’an, we are investing in future leaders, expanding educational accessibility and advancing the nation’s knowledge-based economy. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s Year of Community, showcasing higher education’s pivotal role in driving social inclusion and economic improvement, further cementing ADU’s position as a leading hub for academic excellence and talent development in the country”.
The building is part of the Authority’s recently launched, From The Community To The Community initiative, in which a label is placed on key community-driven projects across the city to foster a culture of giving in Abu Dhabi and acts as a physical tribute to the collective community efforts, demonstrating the power of unity.
His Excellency Faisal Alhmoudi, Executive Director of the Social Investment Fund at the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, said: “This partnership with ADU underscores our dedication to channeling community contributions towards the city’s key social priorities in various sectors, including education. We are committed to raising the deploying funds to partner-led projects to amplify the impact on the community.
“We are proud to empower the students of our city, providing them with enhanced educational opportunities that pave the way for a brighter future”.
The collaboration between ADU and the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma’an demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in creating impactful social solutions. The initiatives align with ADU’s objectives of launching CSR programs, including scholarships and community service projects, that enhance the UAE’s educational landscape. These efforts contribute to community development and support the nation’s broader educational goals.
By connecting government, private sector, social enterprises, and non-profit organizations, the Authority efficiently raises and allocates funds to partners, supporting projects that have a direct impact on the community. Their focus is on fostering community engagement and cultivating a culture of giving, which ultimately contributes to social development in Abu Dhabi.
