Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Founding Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, has unveiled a comprehensive package of community initiatives worth AED 10 million, following his three-day official visit to the Syrian Arab Republic. The initiatives underline his long-term commitment to fostering development and humanitarian partnerships with the Syrian people, beyond direct commercial gain.
The programme focuses on two main pillars: supporting the Grand Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, a cultural and spiritual landmark of global significance, and backing vulnerable groups in society through cooperation with the Syrian Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour.
1. Supporting the Umayyad Mosque
-
Funding restoration works and upgrading infrastructure to safeguard the mosque’s standing as one of the most iconic religious and historical sites in the Islamic world.
-
Providing support for the imams, scholars and administrators working at the mosque in recognition of their role in preserving its spiritual and cultural values.
2. Initiatives in Partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour
-
Supporting a centre for people with disabilities by enhancing rehabilitation and skills development services to promote their inclusion in society.
-
Backing programmes aimed at assisting beggars through reintegration and empowerment measures, reflecting a commitment to restoring dignity and opportunities for society’s most disadvantaged groups.
The initiatives were signed during an official ceremony led by Abdul Salam Al Marzooqi, Assistant to the Chairman – MENA Expansions, UAE Affairs & Community Relations at Al Habtoor Group, alongside Reema Zakaria, Director of the Office of the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, and attended by senior ministry officials – underscoring the depth of public-private sector cooperation in serving national development priorities.
Speaking during his visit, Khalaf Al Habtoor said: “Our support today is not simply a financial pledge, but a clear message of solidarity with Syria and its people. The Umayyad Mosque is a civilisational and human treasure, and supporting its development and those who serve it is a duty for all who believe in culture and identity. At the same time, our support for the centre for people with special needs and for beggars’ reintegration programmes reflects our values of empowerment and dignity for the less fortunate. We hope these initiatives will serve as the foundation for a genuine partnership and a shared future worthy of Syria’s rich history and its people”.
On this occasion, the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, Ms. Hind Qabbout, stated: “The generous support provided by Mr. Khalaf Al Habtoor, son of the sisterly United Arab Emirates – and this is by no means his first such initiative – directly responds to the needs of a large segment representing more than 27% of Syrians with disabilities and war-related injuries. Its services extend to all Syrians across the country, encompassing diverse communities and regions. This support is not merely a financial contribution, but a profound humanitarian message that embodies the values of solidarity and authenticity and opens a door of hope for a wide segment of our people affected by the war.”
She added: “The initiative includes the rehabilitation and equipping of the Multi-Disability Centre, which serves more than 30,000 beneficiaries annually. The project will see the full refurbishment of the building, interior refurbishment, and the provision of medical and electrical equipment across all nine floors, in addition to establishing a comprehensive educational centre for people with disabilities, a specialised floor for vocational training to enable them to secure income opportunities suited to their abilities, and a fully equipped physiotherapy centre. The initiative also encompasses the establishment of an educational centre for the rehabilitation of child beggars, offering a safe environment for learning, psychological counselling, and medical support, thereby contributing to their protection and reintegration into society.”
She concluded by saying: “This noble humanitarian step will have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of tens of thousands of beneficiaries, and it is a source of pride and deep appreciation for all of us.”
These initiatives are designed not merely as direct financial contributions, but as long-term investments in social and cultural impact – safeguarding historical and religious identity while empowering marginalised communities. The partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour reflects a genuine spirit of cooperation between government and private institutions in building sustainable solutions.
Through this step, Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor reinforces his standing as a business leader who embraces social responsibility both within and beyond the UAE. Guided by values of solidarity and compassion, he affirms that investing in people and culture is the surest path to building a more stable and prosperous future for Syria and the wider region.