The declaration of 2017 as the Year of Giving by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is part of the country's journey of glory and generous giving, and shows that the UAE is a world humanitarian leader, said Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council (FNC) on Saturday.

H.H. Sheikh Khalifa's initiative seeks to promote the culture of giving back to the community and enhance the spirit of volunteering and loyalty to one’s country.

This journey is blessed with a true philanthropic and humanitarian umbrella that is one of the fruits of the efforts of the nation's founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who established the country on the values of generous giving to all needy people regardless of faith, colour, race or gender, Al Qubaisi said.

"In doing this, he only sought to please God, according to the teachings of Islam which promotes love, tolerance, sympathy with others, as well as the authentic values of our people and society that we are proud of," she added.

The declaration, she stated, is further proof that H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed is a true world leader who supports humanity, promotes hope and welfare through relief and development aid being offered to tens of countries, she said, stressing, "he is a leader of the humanitarian capital of the world who seeks to promote love, peace and co-operation across the world and bolster the UAE's global leadership with unprecedented initiatives targeting human progress everywhere."

"Sheikh Khalifa's declaration is an incentive for all social segments, as well as the private sector which is a key partner in sustainable development," she stated.

Giving back, Al Qubaisi noted, is a deep-rooted human value, so the wise leadership wanted to benefit people around the world.

She cited Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who said today that the UAE is known for its philanthropic activities and helping the less fortunate worldwide, while the people of the UAE follow in the footsteps of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, the world-renowned philanthropist.