Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) has welcomed the launch of the AED37 billion human development fund announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide better education and narrow the knowledge gap between the Arab and developed world.

The 'Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation', the largest initiative of its kind in the Arab and Islamic world, was launched on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Middle East recently in Jordan.

The Foundation aims to open doors for future generations of leaders in the region to shape their lives by equipping them with world-class knowledge and education. The announcement is in line with the Dubai Strategic Plan to improve education and ensure access to quality academic opportunities.

Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director, Dubai Knowledge Village and Dubai International Academic City welcomed the initiative. He said it underlines the importance of investing in human capital for sustained long-term development of the region and the creation of a knowledge economy.

"The Foundation mirrors Dubai Knowledge Village's vision of establishing educational initiatives and projects with an eye on the future. It is also a reflection of the success of Dubai's knowledge cluster concept," he said.

"We believe this initiative will help lay the foundation for a strong knowledge-based society in the wider Arab region. More importantly, it will strengthen our collective commitment to ensuring access to quality education for every individual."

The foundation's mission is to invest in knowledge and human development, focusing on research, education and promoting equal opportunities for the personal growth and successes of the youth.
The foundation is to be based in Dubai and is due to start its work later this year.