Alumni Relations Office at University of Dubai (UD) in cooperation with the UD Alumni Association board secured over 1.5 M for the past 3 years through the Annual Charity Campaigns as part of the Alumni and Friends of the University of Dubai Scholarship Funds (AFUDSF) Program.

 Proceeds of the Charity Campaigns, which were kept under the custody of Beit Al Khair Society, are being granted to UD students and graduates who are financially challenged according to the University’s recommendations and as per Beit Al Khair’s financial help requirements. 

Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, UD President, thanked all donors for their generous contribution and great support to the University of Dubai students and commended the office of Alumni Relations for their dedication to helping students who undergo financial distress. He added: “Special thanks to our supporting Alumni Board members and our partner Charity Associations who aided this program and contributed to its success.”

Amina El Marzak, Director of Internship and Career  Development Center and Alumni Relations Office, said that the Alumni Relations Office was able to help 50 students and graduates with a total amount of AED 596,224.00 during the academic period between January 2019 and September 2021. She added that donors included organizations from the government and private sectors, philanthropists, alumni in addition to partner charity associations such as Dubai Charity Association, Dar Al Ber Society, Beit Al Khair Society and Al Maktoum Foundation.

The Alumni Relations Office at University of Dubai, which launched the Friends of the University of Dubai Scholarship Funds (AFUDSF) Program back in 2013 in cooperation with the UD Alumni Association Board and led a series of prominent successful fundraising initiatives, is very determined to serve this cause and encourage UD alumni and philanthropists to continue helping students and graduates who are struggling with their study tuitions.

Anas, a UD student who received financial support, said: “I would like to sincerely thank the Alumni Relations Office for their continuous efforts and support and for holding me up during my hard times.” He also encouraged students with financial constraints to seek the help of UD’s financial aid team which would customize the appropriate funds throughout the academic years. 

Another UD student Bedour extended her thanks and gratitude to the University of Dubai for granting her a scholarship that has helped her pursue her studies despite her financial challenges. 

In her turn, Yasmeen, a UD graduate, asked existing students and new applicants not to hesitate in seeking support from the UD family “which will never let you down,” as she stated. She added: “We all go through challenges in our lives, as I had too during my educational journey. I was facing financial difficulties which might have stopped me from accomplishing my education goals. This was disappointing as it would have delayed my graduation plan. However, determination made me seek out help and the UD family kept their promises.”