DUBAI // The Dh22 million donation by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, will go towards the completion of the Dubai Autism Centre’s long-awaited new facility.
Sheikh Hamdan donated the prize money won by his horse, Prince Bishop, at the Dubai World Cup on Saturday.
Mohammed Al Emadi, director general and board member of the centre, said the money would be vital in helping complete the centre in Garhoud.
The money complements an earlier donation from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, who gave Dh73m in land and a grant of Dh27m to start the building of the facility.
“On behalf of Dubai Autism Centre and the individuals diagnosed with autism, we highly appreciate all the humanitarian efforts by His Highness, in the kind initiatives in the supporting the community, as it will cater to support a greater number of children diagnosed with autism in the UAE,” said Mr Al Emadi.
Sheikh Hamdan is chairman of the centre, which was founded in 2001 to help autistic children integrate into the community.
Building of the long-awaited facility began in 2007, but completion was delayed because of the economic downturn.
The centre is expected to have room for between 150 and 180 children.
The donation came in advance of World Autism Awareness Day on Thursday.
esamoglou@thenational.ae
