Sharjah builds 8,860 wells, six desalination plants worldwide

The Sharjah Charity International (SCI) announced an important milestone in its efforts to provide clean drinking water to areas facing severe water shortages. In 2024, the organisation drilled 8,860 wells and set up six desalination plants at a total cost of Dhs 34.2 million, focusing on countries in Africa and Asia that struggle with water access.

Mohammed Rashid Bin Bayat, the Vice Chairman of Sharjah Charity International, emphasised that having clean water is essential for everyone. He stated, “Access to clean water is no longer a luxury; it has become a basic human right.” He explained that the efforts are not just about giving water, but also about investing in the future of communities that are heavily affected by water shortages.

Bin Bayat highlighted that these projects do much more than provide water for drinking. They help improve health, create stability in communities, and boost local economies, especially in areas that depend on farming and raising animals.

Additionally, the organisation built six desalination plants, which will offer a long-term solution for hundreds of thousands of people in need of water that is safe for drinking and farming.

Recently, Sharjah Charity International (SCI) has begun implementing the “Ramadan Iftar” project in 43 countries, allocating 300,000 Iftar meals throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan at a total cost of Dhs3 million.

The project aims to provide Iftar meals to fasting people in various countries, in coordination with the relevant authorities and the association’s offices spread across many countries covered by the project.

Khaled Hassan Al Ali, Director of Projects and External Aid Department, expressed his pride in expanding SCI scope of work this year, highlighting that the project reflects the commitment to spreading the values of giving and solidarity, ensuring that support reaches the largest possible number of people in need worldwide.

In January, The Board of Directors of the Sharjah Charity International (SCI) held its regular meeting, chaired by Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Board. The meeting covered the main agenda items focused on charitable and humanitarian work in the Emirate.

During the meeting, the council approved the association’s plan for the Ramadan campaign “Jood,” focusing on effective strategies to meet campaign targets, expand beneficiary reach, and address past campaign shortcomings.

Amendments to the association’s organisational structure were endorsed, with discussions centred on restructuring and renewal to boost institutional efficiency.

The council agreed to implement various new charitable initiatives within and outside the country, emphasising sustainability in project selection.

Discussions revolved around a charitable endowment project supporting patients in the Majaz area, aligning with plans to enhance free healthcare centres in the Emirate.

A delegation was appointed to assess the association’s projects in Niger, including oversight of construction and maintenance activities at Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi Village.

Attendees were briefed on meetings with the Ministry of Community Development and the Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah to enhance joint coordination for humanitarian goals.

In conclusion, Sheikh Saqr praised the dedication of board members and teams, urging increased efforts to fulfil the association’s vision of spreading goodness within and beyond the community.

In December 2024, with a donation from Dubai Islamic Bank - the humanitarian partner of the Sharjah Charity International (SCI) projects - the SCI launched the “Dathironi” campaign to confront the frost and severe cold that many areas in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina are exposed to.

This came during a field visit by Sharjah Charity’s delegation headed by Abdullah Sultan Bin Khadim, Executive Director, and including Mohammed Hamdan Al Zari, Head of the Projects Sector.

The initiative aims to protect more than 7,000 beneficiaries from the two countries from frost and severe cold by distributing heavy clothing and blankets, in addition to various heating methods, and to provide them with the means to protect them from the harsh winter cold.

Abdullah Sultan Bin Khadim, Executive Director of Sharjah Charity International, said, “There is no doubt that this initiative, which came with generous support from Dubai Islamic Bank, expresses the value of joint work and its impact on charitable work and achieving the welfare of beneficiaries. We are aware of the humanitarian role played by the Islamic Bank in supporting the SCI’s projects through many windows, most notably supporting the Zakat Al Mal project, in addition to launching joint initiatives inside and outside the country within the framework of social responsibility.” Bin Khadim pointed out that the initiative embodied the SCI’s goals and vision in ensuring leadership in humanitarian aid programs, as the Sharjah Charity’s delegations toured remote areas and met with beneficiaries who find no refuge from the harsh winter cold in those areas where temperatures drop to very low levels, and provided them with reassurance by providing the necessary heating means.

WAM