WAM Dubai, 24th April 2012 (WAM) -- Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charity and Humanitarian Foundation has earmarked AED 12.9 million to health and educational projects in Iraq as part of its response to humanitarian issues in the Arab World.

Ibrahim Bumleha, Deputy Chairman of Board of Trustees of the Foundation, told a press conference today that the money would be used to build four schools and two healthcare centres in Iraq. During the press conference a contract for building these facilities was signed with Life for Relief and Development (LIFE), a non-government organization in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, in the presence of Dr. Mujahid Al-Fayadh, CEO of LIFE.

He indicated that the schools and clinics would carry the name of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

'' The four secondary schools for boys and girls will cost AED 8.6 million.

Two schools will be located in Baghdad and one each in Ramadi and Mosul,' he said , adding that the two clinics in Basra and Mosul will have the budget of AED 4.3 million and will cater for the medical and health needs of the population in these two key cities.

He said all these projects would be completed in 18 months under wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and by instructions of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to alleviate suffering of Iraqi people.

Dr. Mujahid Al-Fayadh, CEO of Life for Relief and Development (LIFE), contractor of projects, expressed profound thanks to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for their care and support for Iraqi people.

LIFE is an American-based charity that provides humanitarian assistance around the world through its operations in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. As an NGO with Special Consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, LIFE is dedicated to alleviating human suffering around the world regardless of race, creed, color or cultural background.

WAM/TF