Emirates Foundation has signed a year-long partnership with General Motors (GM) Middle East, securing a $200,000 grant to expand the foundation's community development programs across the UAE. The agreement reflects a deepening commitment to corporate social responsibility and positions GM Middle East as a key private-sector partner in advancing the country's social goals.
Partnership Background and Grant Details
Under the deal, GM Middle East will provide Emirates Foundation with a US$200,000 grant to increase support for its nationwide programs. The two organisations have already been collaborating — GM Middle East participated in the Emirates Foundation Ideathon, which centred on the theme of Volunteering for Sustainability, reinforcing the partnership's foundation before the formal announcement.
Programs Supported by the Emirates Foundation–GM Middle East Partnership
Three flagship Emirates Foundation programs will receive direct support through this collaboration:
Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools (UCS): GM employees will volunteer in the UCS initiative, which promotes the meaningful inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities into mainstream education settings. The program creates accepting school environments by bringing together students with and without disabilities.
Dawamee Programme: GM Middle East will also participate in the Dawamee Programme, a digital platform established to empower Emiratis — particularly women — by connecting them with remote and part-time employment opportunities. The collaboration aims to build a stronger talent pipeline in the mobility and technology sectors.
Ideathon at COP28: The recently launched virtual Ideathon, announced at COP28, is among the newer initiatives receiving backing through this agreement, focusing on sustainable volunteerism and youth innovation.
What Leaders Are Saying
Mohammed Al Mheiri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Emirates Foundation and Deputy CEO of the organisation, expressed confidence in the partnership: "This partnership with General Motors will be promising as it seeks to achieve the social and economic development in the UAE and improve the quality of life of people by being involved in the solution of key problems and the implementation of major goals."
Jack Uppal, President and Managing Director of GM Middle East, added: "We are happy to be working with Emirates Foundation on its programs geared towards empowering the nation's society and ensuring that inclusiveness is promoted throughout the GCC. We are also excited to take forward our model for an innovation approach to develop the talent pipeline that spans across nationalities, skill sets, and generational bands, which will play a role in realizing the vision."
GM Employees to Join Community Volunteering
In the months ahead, GM Middle East employees will participate directly in Emirates Foundation schemes. Their involvement in the UCS program will support students with intellectual disabilities transitioning into mainstream classrooms. Through the Dawamee Programme, GM will also help widen access to skilled employment in the mobility sector for Emiratis seeking flexible work arrangements.
The partnership underscores a shared vision between the two organisations: addressing key social and economic challenges in the UAE while driving forward the nation's development goals through meaningful private-sector engagement.
