Dubai: The UAE Water Aid campaign (UAE Suqia) has received Dh140 million in donations, exceeding its Dh125 million target ahead of schedule.

The campaign aimed to provide clean drinking water to five million people across 60 countries. However, it achieved 112 per cent of its target on the 17th day of its launch. The funds raised will help provide clean drinking water to 5.6 million people around the world.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee that oversaw the water aid campaign, said it received an overwhelming response by both government entities and community members within two weeks.

“It is another achievement that emphasises our country’s competence and capability and places it at the forefront of countries, which contribute to creating and activating channels of humanitarian work via unique initiatives that allow community members, and organisations to carry out their duties towards underprivileged people,” he said.

Al Gergawi thanked all those who contributed to making the campaign a success and helping it fulfill its goal of promoting the spirit of solidarity among people all over the world.

The campaign will continue to receive donations until Wednesday, July 16, to allow more people who wish to support the campaign, thus expanding the scope of beneficiaries from the campaign in underpriviliged areas that in need of fresh drinking water.
 
Enoc donated Dh3 million which will help provide clean drinking water to Dh120,000 million people in developing countries.

UAE businessmen Abdullah Ahmad Al Mousa donated Dh2 million, which will help provide clean drinking water to 80,000 people in developing countries. Other individuals and organisations also made donations.  

Since its launch, the project has managed to raise funds that are sufficient dig wells in areas that are in desperate need for water.

It was launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, after he realised that each year more than 3.4 million people die from water-related diseases.