Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD, the leading national entity for development aid, has hosted a seminar for the students of the United Arab Emirates University, UAEU, to discuss its development work, operational activities, and achievements spanning 84 beneficiary countries.

Within the series of seminars offered by the fund to public and private universities and colleges, the session aimed to highlight the UAE’s important work in development funding, and its foreign aid strategy.

Over the course of two hours, students of UAEU received a stimulating presentation about the fund’s 46-year journey, its objectives and long-term mission from Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director of Finance at ADFD, and Fatima Al Blooshi, Head of Media and Communications at ADFD.

Al Blooshi lauded the fact that both ADFD and the UAEU were established by the founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, highlighting his revolutionary vision for global development assistance and education.

Al Dhaheri spoke about the fund’s policies and criteria for providing concessionary loans and managing government grants to finance projects that support economic and social development in beneficiary countries. He also informed the students about ADFD’s investment strategy in select companies within recipient countries. "These investments bolster key sectors and provide job opportunities for citizens of the beneficiary countries while continuing to promote economic advancements," he explained.

The seminar concluded with a question and answer session. The students expressed their pride in ADFD’s prominent role in achieving sustainable development globally.