Annual Ataya Initiative Pays Tribute To Nurses Across The World

Since its inception, Ataya has donated over 100 million dirhams to charitable programmes across the world

Now in its 10th year, Ataya, translating to ‘giving’ in Arabic, will be held as an online shopping destination during Ramadan and will provide financial resources for aspiring nurses across the world. Organised by Emirates Red Crescent and held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Ataya has donated millions since its launch. With proceeds raised from each initiative, the annual charity exhibition has supported several communities around the world by sponsoring a range of projects including the establishment of hospitals and specialised healthcare centres, covering the treatment costs for thousands of patients as well as setting up schools and homes.

Ataya initiatives have also offered support to local projects, such as the Faraj Fund and centres targeting autism and people of determination in the UAE. In 2021, through exhibitor participation fees and donations made from the new Ataya online shopping destination, the initiative is set to offer 200 fully funded training grants for nurses from selected universities in India, the Philippines, Egypt, Albania, Bosnia, Mauritania and the UAE.

Here, we speak to the Ataya Higher Committee on empowering nurses, celebrating creativity and the annual exhibition‘s broader mission.

Why do you think now is the most important time to focus efforts on empowering aspiring nurses?

Over the past ten years, Ataya has been dedicating its proceeds to the health sector and to support children suffering from cancer in Lebanon. In 2021, as the world witnessed exceptional health, economic and social circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we clearly saw the real importance of nurses in fighting off the pandemic and offering healthcare services to patients. This is why we decided to dedicate this edition’s proceeds to supporting nurses in seven countries, namely the UAE, India, the Philippines, Egypt, Bosnia and Albania, by providing 200 scholarships and thereby contributing to the improvement of healthcare services in their local societies.

What is the biggest highlight from the new online shopping destination?

Ataya is held annually in Abu Dhabi to provide women in the country with Ramadan essentials, including fashion, home accessories, food and jewellery. This year, the exhibition is being held virtually until the end of May and will offer a new, unique destination with the participation of several brands and designers.

What was the criteria for selecting the collection of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces from talented designers, artists and boutiques from the UAE?

Since Ataya is held during Ramadan, items are selected in view of the holy month’s needs and required supplies in terms of fashion, home accessories and food. Every year, we ensure to select exhibitors who present new innovations and designs, and sometimes exclusive items for Ataya.

What do you think is most special about the gift of creativity and why do you think it’s important to celebrate this?

Creativity is the result of a cultural and historical accumulation of ideas and concepts. Therefore, it is important for us to support Emirati designers and create an annual platform for them to showcase their products while enhancing the national identity of the event.

Ataya has become a hallmark in building and developing the efforts for society enablement, while enhancing the role of individuals to create positive change through initiatives and programs in the areas of health, education and infrastructure. Is there any particular initiative you are most proud of?

Ataya has been operating for the past ten years under the umbrella of the UAE Red Crescent, which plays a remarkable role in the humanitarian, social and developmental fields, enabling society to achieve a real change in boosting enterprise and individual social responsibility towards the most vulnerable segments. This is in line with the teachings of Islam and the path set for us by the founders of the UAE and its humanitarian drive. Therefore, all our initiatives have unique value and a special position as we seek to keep offering more.

Over the years, Ataya has implemented a variety of projects around the world, including the establishment of hospitals and specialised health centres, treatment for thousands of patients, the establishment of schools and housing, and supported important local projects such as the Faraj Fund, autism centres and people of determination in the UAE. What has been most rewarding about these projects?

Ataya forged its way confidently towards leadership and excellence in creating solutions for core humanitarian causes that trouble many societies, and we hope to achieve more gains for the target segments and to spread positivity and happiness through our projects, which are aligned with the UAE’s humanitarian message.

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