Dubai First Supports Fund Raiser for Thalassemia Patients in UAE 

Dubai: 28 April, 2009 – Dubai First, the consumer finance company of Dubai Group, a member of Dubai Holding, today announced it had had lent its support to a 12-day activity camp at the Al Raya School in Dubai, to raise funds for those suffering from Thalassemia.

The move came as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative, offering support to the UAE’s campaign for eradicating the disease in the country by 2012.

Titled ‘Say No to Thalassemia’, the fun-filled activity camp was held in April, and included activities such as face painting, ceramics workshops, sports, and a food bazaar. Proceeds from the activities were donated to the Dubai Health Authority.

The event drew the participation of parents and students of Al Raya School. Medical professionals from the Dubai Health Authority were on hand offering presentations on Thalassemia and the impact of the genetic disorder on patients and their family members.

Ibrahim Al Ansari, CEO of Dubai First, said:

Dubai First is committed to leading the way in raising awareness about the issues that affect our community. Thalassemia is an acute syndrome that affects not only sufferers, but their families as well by limiting their quality of life. We believe that corporations have a significant role to play in the society, and we at Dubai First are dedicated to contributing to this responsibility in any way we can.

As per current statistics, one in 12 people in the UAE are carriers of Thalassemia, with most unaware of their status. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in 16 Emiratis suffer from the disease and require multiple blood transfusions, putting them at risk of an iron-overload. Excess iron can cause irreversible damage to kidneys and the heart, leading to more serious and life-threatening medical conditions.

According to estimates, Thalassaemia sufferers spend a minimum of AED30,000 per year on treatment. On the other hand, a simple, inexpensive, premarital screening test can be taken at most hospitals by both members of a couple to ensure they do not pass on the genetic condition to their children.

Notes to Editors

About Dubai First

Dubai First, a Dubai Group company, was established in 2007 as a consumer finance provider from Dubai Holding. The company focuses on consumer and corporate credit cards. Dubai First's vision is to be a market leader in the region and distinguish itself by being a customer-focused, service-oriented consumer finance player. In 2009, Dubai First expanded its business line to offer corporate fixed deposits with highly competitive rate of return. For further information, visit www.dubaifirst.com

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