ExxonMobil offers funds and support

The Emirates Foundation has received a $5 million (Dh18.4m) donation from ExxonMobil, the energy company. The money, to be spent over three years, will go towards the philanthropic organisation's environmental research work. As part of its tie-up with the foundation, ExxonMobil will help design and evaluate a major project next year aimed at improving energy conservation in the UAE.

Ahmed Ali al Sayegh, the Emirates Foundation's managing director, said: "We welcome ExxonMobil into our donor family. The UAE will be the ultimate beneficiary of this generous donation as well as of the corporation's extensive environmental expertise." Frank Kemnetz, president of Exxon (Al Khalij) said there had been a long history of private-sector involvement in community and environmental projects in the UAE.

"Our overlapping interests make for an exciting partnership. We look forward to supporting the foundation's important environment programme and the prospect of launching a suitably dynamic energy efficiency project together," he said. Other initiatives ExxonMobil financially supports in the UAE include educational programmes at school and university levels. The company is also involved with the UAE Red Crescent Society and the Future Centre for Children with Special Needs.

dbardsley@thenational.ae