The declaration of 2017 as the Year of Giving by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa, and the launch of the UAE Food Bank, announced by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, have their roots in the humanitarian legacy of the founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, said Dr. Maytha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State.

The two initiatives also reflect the generous giving and philanthropy of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, she said in a statement today.

Congratulating the UAE people on what she described as "the bright image and great successive achievements", Al Shamsi stressed that nations can only be built by strong resolve and will, as demonstrated by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid who, she said, represents an exemplary school of leadership, planning and implementation based on strategic visions.

The UAE Food Bank was launched yesterday as part of the Year of Giving initiative, to coincide with anniversary of Sheikh Mohammed's bin Rashid's accession as Ruler of Dubai 11 years ago.

Launched in late December, the Year of Giving initiative will focus on three main pillars: creating a sense of community responsibility in the private sector; enhancing the spirit of volunteering and encouraging specialised volunteer programmes; and instilling loyalty and commitment in the next generations to serve their country.