Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has donated AED 2m ($544,000) to support the Dubai Autism Center’s “Build A Difference Campaign” that will go towards the construction of a new facility covering 91,000 square feet located in Garhoud.

 

“As part of the company’s continued corporate social responsibility, we believed that it is our role to support the communities from which we operate,” said Colm McLoughlin, Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman.

 

“We are delighted to be a part in the building of a new facility to further enhance the works of Dubai Autism Centre who made great effort in providing autistic children and their families with support and guidance.”

 

The new premises can accommodate 200 students and will include a fully equipped gymnasium, swimming pool and a library.

 

According to DDF, the Dubai Autism Center, which was founded in 2001, is the largest, and most comprehensive non-profit organisation in the UAE serving children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and relies on grants, donations and fundraising to operate its programme.

 

Left: Colm McLoughlin, Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman.

 

This involves early assessment and diagnosis of autism and its classes include speech therapy, art and music, with the aim of integrating children with society.

 

Dubai Duty Free has been a long-standing supporter of several charities specifically those aimed at benefiting children. Through the Dubai Duty Free Foundation, the operation has been supporting the Dubai Autism Center since 2004,  which include paying the monthly salary of its two teachers.

 

Also, for the past several years, the operation has been a significant contributor to the Irish Autism Action during the annual Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Charity Ball in Ireland.

 

To date, the Foundation has supported 34 local and 49 overseas charities since 2004, a clear manifestation of Dubai Duty Free’s ongoing commitment to the community.