Report

Report 2013 www.algurg.com

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful: 261. The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah that of a grain of corn: it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He pleases: and Allah cares for all and He knows all things. 262. Those who spend their substance in the cause of Allah, and follow not up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury-for them their reward is with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve (261/262. Surah Al-Baqarah)

Contents Messages Our Beginning Vision & Mission Our Accomplishments Mosque Construction Sponsoring Holy Quran Teachings Publishing Religious Islamic Books Promoting Understanding Islamic Culture And Heritage Hajj & Umrah Assistance Education Helping Special Needs Individuals Collaborations Direct Support for the Needy Ramadan & Eid Assistance Regional Activities International Relief Projects 7 11 12 14 17 21 24 25 26 28 32 38 44 45 46 47

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan The President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai

Founder s Message As a nation, the United Arab Emirates has witnessed various accomplishments since its creation in 1971. The establishments of charitable institutions and associations have placed the country at the forefront of humanitarian activities that impact the deserving both within and outside the UAE. These institutions have also enhanced UAE s standing as a caring and giving nation that is ready to lend a helping hand whenever required. The Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation was created to offer assistance to alleviate the suffering of the poor and displaced people wherever they might be. The Most Gracious Almighty has given us an abundance gifts and this is our humble gesture of offering thanks for all His blessings. It is with hope that I wish the Foundation continuous success in its role as a reliable support for the UAE when dispensing compassionate aid to deserving individuals and countries across the globe. We stand ready to assist the wise and generous efforts of our visionary leaders, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of UAE and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai as well as the honorable leaders of all other emirates within the Union. May the Almighty protect our virtuous leaders and citizens. Easa Saleh Al Gurg, KCVO, CBE 6 7

Chairperson s Message One of my father s most distinguished traits is his giving personality. This very nature of being generous, sympathetic to the needs of the poor, and disadvantaged led to the creation of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Foundation which formalized his ongoing charitable activities. The Foundation has been established under Decree Number 21 of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. From the onset, His Excellency Easa Saleh Al Gurg, KCVO, CBE has been categorical that the Foundation would not rely on any external sources of funding and operate through contributions from his personal wealth and savings. He has also donated significant real estate properties to charitable projects adopted by the Foundation. This makes the ESAG Charity Foundation, a unique charitable enterprise and one of the very few self-financed charitable establishments within the UAE. In a limited time span of two years, the Foundation has been able to undertake some commendable charitable work both within and outside the UAE such as medical assistance, educational aid and international humanitarian assistance. I hope the first report of the Foundation serves as an inspiration to many who would like to be involved in charitable works. On behalf of the Foundation, I would like to express my gratitude to all individuals, associations and institutions that have collaborated with us in this noble task. Raja Easa Saleh Al Gurg 8 9

Our Beginning HE Easa Saleh Al Gurg, KCVO, CBE has been involved with charitable work for many decades. As the number of charitable projects that he was involved in, began to multiply, His Excellency felt it was prudent to formalize these activities and create an organization that would operate on his behalf. The creation of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation was unanimously seconded by the members of the Al Gurg family during a meeting in 2010. The Easa Al Gurg Charity Foundation was established in October 2010 (1434 AH/2010 AD) under the decree Number 21 of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai with capital fully financed from the founder s private funds and real estate. In keeping with the founder s wishes, the Foundation also operates independent of the earnings from the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group LLC. Easa Saleh Al Gurg Mosque Karama 10 11

Being involved in community projects and initiatives which primarily focus on education and health. Vision We adopt charitable and humanitarian projects which include cultural and community-based non-profitable activities. The Foundation s work is directed by a clear and compelling vision: To enable people in need to help themselves. Mission Establishing and supporting charity housing projects, academic institutions and providing study grants to students Setting up and assisting medical facilities, rehabilitation centres and providing medical aid for the needy Assistance in building mosques, cultural and Islamic research centres Providing assistance to orphans, the elderly and persons with special needs Offering sponsorship and collaborative assistance to various charitable associations 12 13

Our Accomplishments Charity Projects 2011-2012 Printing & Publishing of Islamic Books Construction of Mosques for worshippers Sponsoring Holy Quran Teachings Centers Helping Special Needs Centers International aid programmes 24,000 3 4 6 3 Monetary Assistance Categories Ramadan Cash donation Orphans Eid Al Fitr & Eid Al Adha School Education Utility bills University studies Medical Rent Special Needs Individuals Building Maintenance Marriage Hajj & Umrah Overall Cases Handled 5,330 1,982 1,459 946 553 384 332 249 200 197 80 80 49 11,841 Mohamed Farouk, Chief Accountant receiving an appreciation certificate on behalf of the Foundation from the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities 14 15

Mosque Construction The mosques of Allah shall be visited and maintained by such as believe in Allah and the Last Day, establish regular Prayers, and practise regular Charity, and fear none (at all) except Allah. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance (18. Surah Al-Tawbah) HE Easa Saleh Al Gurg, KCVO. CBE has been dedicating mosques for worshippers for over three decades. Some of these have been built before the Charity Foundation was set up in 2010. These include the Al Khulafa Al Rashideen in Al Warqaa (2006), Bilal Bin Rabah in Al Barsha,Abu Obaida Bin Al Jarrah in Al Jafaliya (1980), in addition to the Khasab Mosque in Oman built in 1984. Under the auspices of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation, two mosques have been built in Dubai in 2012. These are the Omar Bin Abdul Aziz in Al Muhaisanah and the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Mosque in Karama. Hamad Al Gurg and Farid Al Gurg at the opening of the Omar Bin Abdulaziz Mosque Muhaisnah 1 Easa Saleh Al Gurg Mosque Karama 16 17

HE Easa Al Gurg at the opening of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Mosque Karama 18 19

Sponsoring Holy Quran Teachings On the Day of Judgment, the Holy Quran intercedes for those people who read and follow it. Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be upon Him) said: Read the Quran, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection interceding for its companions. (Sahih Muslim). The Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation follows the sayings of the Holy Prophet by supporting and sponsoring Quran teaching centers such as Al Radwan, Al Siddiq, Ibn Al Arqam, Abdullah Bin Masoud and many others. Holy Quran recitation events at Al Khulafa Al 20 Rashiden Mosque Al Warqa 21

HE Easa Saleh Al Gurg meeting with kids of Al Siddiq Center who memorized the Holy Quran 22 23

ublishing Religious PIslamic Books Understanding Islamic Culture & Heritage Dubai International Holy Quran Award One of the fatwas of Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Baz (May his soul rest in peace) is printing religious books that will benefit people and is a deed that will be rewarded in this life and thereafter. The above has motivated the Foundation to print and publish Islamic books. The Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation also participated in the Dubai International Award for Holy Quran established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai in 2011 to print and publish 24,000 copies of religious books which were considered valuable additions to the award, such as: 1 - Helyat Al-Moumen wa Ekhtyar al-mouqen By Al Imam Abul Mahasen Abdul Wahid Ibn Ismaeil Al Royani (502H = 1108G). 2 - Al Muharrar fi Al Fiqh By Al Imam Abul Qasim Abdul Karim Ibn Mohammad Al Rafei (623H = 1226G). Annual support to Al Manar Center, which is part of the Islamic Cultural Heritage Center. The center supports the Muslim community in London and it also carries out various charitable activities such as mosque construction, marriage aid and setting up of libraries. The Foundation also supports to Cambridge Muslim College, a private charitable institution for their research project, Curriculum for Cohesion, which calls for building strong relationships between generations with different cultures and religions. 24 25

Hajj & Umrah Assistance 196. And complete the Hajj or umrah in the service of Allah. But if you are prevented (from completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as you may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp, (necessitating shaving), (he should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer sacrifice; and when you are in peaceful conditions (again), if any one wishes to continue the umrah on to the Hajj, he must make an offering, such as he can afford it, he should fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his return, making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah, and know that Allah is strict in punishment (196. Surah Al-Baqarah) Directed by this verse, the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation helps individuals of the Muslim faith to perform Hajj and Umrah. The Foundation has sponsored holy pilgrimages for special needs people and their families in coordination with Women s Union Association in Sharjah and the Association of families of persons with disabilities. The Foundation has also provided Umrah assistance for New Muslims in 2010 in collaboration with Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Association. In addition, annual grants are provided to deserving employees within the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group LLC to help them perform Hajj. Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group s employees at the Hajj pilgrimage in 2012 26 27

Education Education is the focal point of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation. The Foundation strongly believes that better education offers greater opportunities to students and also strengthens the social fabric of society. The Foundation has various collaborations with educational institutions and welfare bodies to offer scholarships as well as educational assistance and study aids to deserving students. Projects include scholarships to students of Sharia and Law faculty at Sharjah University, sponsorship of college students with coordination with the Council of Educational Welfare & Academic Affairs in Fujairah. The Foundation has also provided laptops and ipads to deserving students of Zayed University in Dubai. In 2012, the Foundation sponsored the Cultural & Scientific Association which held a ceremony on the occasion of the centenary of Al Ahmadia School. Al Ahmadia School, popularly known as Umm al Madaares (Mother of schools), is Dubai s first and oldest seat of learning built in 1912. It was built by a group of founding fathers led by the late Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed bin Dalmouk. Many of Dubai s well-known citizens including members of the royal family as well as prominent businessmen such as HE Easa Saleh Al Gurg have completed their primary education there. Samia Ibrahim, Government Relations Manager of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group receiving an appreciation certificate from Sharjah University Abdulla Al Gurg signing an agreement with Zayed University 28 29

Muna Al Gurg with Bweju s school children at Zanzibar, Tanzania 30 31

H elping Special Needs Individuals People with special needs represent 10% of the world s population and the numbers are rising in the Arab world, with the present figure at 12% according to statistics published by the United Nations. There is also increasing concern on addressing the needs of this special section of society. The Foundation keenly supports various initiatives and organizations working for special needs individuals with varied levels of disabilities. The Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation partnered the Princess Haya Award for Special Education in 2012. The Foundation also offers consistent support for the UAE Down Syndrome Association, Rashid Pediatric Therapy Center, the Dubai Autism Center, the Sharjah Autism Center and Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services. 32 33 The Foundation provides regular donations to support the activities of Dubai Autism Center

Raja Al Gurg, Chairperson receiving an appreciation certificate from Her Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein for the Foundation s support to the Princess Haya Award for Special Education 2012 34 35

Maryam Al Gurg, Vice Chariperson sponsors paintings by 36 children from Dubai Autism Center 37

Collaborations One of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation s key strategies is to collaborate with like-minded charity associations based in the UAE, in order to reach out to the maximum number of needy within or outside the country. The Foundation also believes in lending a helping hand to charitable organizations that are unable to perform their charity mission due to lack of funding. Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian & Charity Est. The Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation works closely with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian & Charity Est. which is considered as one of the leading institutions in the field of charitable work, not only in the UAE but at an international level as well. The Foundation has supported international aid programs such as the Oaanohom campaign to help victims in Somalia and the African Horn in 2012; besides assisting Libyan citizens during the conflict in 2011. HE Easa Saleh Al Gurg receives an appreciation award from Dar Al Ber Society Dar Al Ber Society The Charity Foundation has several collaborations with Dar Al Ber Society, one of the earliest associations in the UAE in the field of charitable and humanitarian work. These include an annual contribution of Zakat, assistance for orphans through the Commission of needy families of Dar Al Ber Society in Um Al Quwain in 2011 and 2012; payment of rent, utility bills and building maintenance; besides Ramadan assistance, educational and medical aid as well as help for individuals with special needs. Easa Farid Al Gurg receives Mohammed Bin Rashid Foundation s award from HE Ibrahim Bu Melha on behalf of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation Beit Al Khair Society The Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation supports the Beit Al Khair Society which focuses on the care and support of needy UAE citizens. This includes annual Zakat contribution, cash assistance for poor families in 2011, participation in Al Khubz campaign to aid the poor in Palestine in collaboration with Juma Al Majid Group in 2011, as well as assistance to provide emergency aid for eligible UAE citizens in 2012. 38 39

Pink Caravan The Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation participated in the charitable auction held by the Friends of Cancer Society and Pink Caravan by bidding the highest donation for the Givori cell phone in 2012 and donating further funds to this noble organization. Fujairah Welfare Association The Foundation is keen to support and assist organizations that adopt development projects to provide job opportunities and enable deserving individuals to become independent. The Fujairah Welfare Association is one such organization which is supported annually with Zakat aid. The Charity Foundation has also provided educational assistance for needy students in 2011 and 2012; besides donating new clothes during Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. Assistance to Charity Associations There are numerous charitable and welfare associations which do significant humanitarian work and the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation is keen to support their activities through annual financial assistance. Some of these include: Dubai Women s Association Dubai Charity Association Um Al Moumineen Society Sharjah Charity International Muna Al Gurg & Abdulla Al Gurg, Members of the Foundation Board participating in the charity auction held by Pink Caravan 40 41

H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, accompanied by his daughter H.H Sheikha Al Jalila receiving a memento from Mrs. Raja Easa Saleh Al Gurg, Chairperson and member of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation during the official opening ceremony of the institution 42 43

D irect Support for the Needy One of the Foundation s fundamental goals is to provide aid and assistance for various charitable causes that assist orphans and disabled individuals as well as supporting family s marriage fund, contributions for medical expenses, education, payment of rent, utilities and building maintenance. All direct applications along with required documentation received by the Foundation are scrutinized for eligibility. The Foundation has a team of diligent and experienced staff who are committed to offer the highest quality of service to applicants. The final report and recommendation for support are referred to the Foundation s board members for approval. R amadan & Eid Assistance Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right & wrong) (185. Surah Al-Baqarah) The Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation provides annual Ramadan assistance by distributing essential food items to poor families during the Holy Month, besides delivering packaged meals to fasting believers at our mosques. The Foundation also distributed clothes from United Colors of Benetton to disadvantaged families for Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha in 2012. ESAG Charity Foundation headquarters 44 at Baniyas road, Deira 45

Regional Activities International Relief Projects One of the important purposes of charity includes helping young people to get married following the wise sayings of Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be upon Him) O Young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty. (Al Bukhari: 1905) The Charity Foundation participated in the eighth group marriage initiative of the House of Representatives of Bahrain in 2011 by sponsoring the wedding of 78 couples. The Foundation also assisted in the construction of housing units in Oman to protect the population of the Eastern Region during hurricanes. In the belief that there are no borders for charitable work, the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation conducts charitable work across the world. Some of our key projects include: Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation also supports various medical institutions outside UAE, such as hospitals and medical research centers. The Foundation provides annual support to the British Cardiac Research Trust which was created in UK in February 2003 as a charitable organization that supports research on all kinds of heart diseases, the best diagnostic methods and ways to provide early medical intervention. Construction projects in Zanzibar, Tanzania in 2011 and 2012 including a mosque, two schools and a health center for a medical complex. Initiating rehabilitation projects in India such as digging wells and building water tanks in 2011. Group marriage ceremony sponsored by the Foundation in Bahrain 46 47