Dubai, 11 Feb. 2009 (WAM) — Du, the integrated telecom operator in the UAE, and the UAE Ministry of Social Affairs have jointly launched Musahama, a comprehensive web portal for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the UAE.

The web portal will act as an indispensable interface among UAE-based NGOs, the people in the UAE and further encourage voluntary participation.

In the presence of H.E. Mariam Khalfan Al Roomi, Minister of Social Affairs, the web portal was jointly launched today by Osman Sultan, CEO, and H.E Naji Al Haj, Executive Manager of the social development at the Ministry offices. It follows the signing of a MoU between Du and the Ministry in 2008. The web portal will be accessible at www.musahama.com Besides acting as a comprehensive source of factual information on all the non-governmental organisations in the UAE, Musahama will showcase the work of each organisation. It will also facilitate volunteering in the UAE by presenting all the available opportunities on one platform.

Outlining Du’s use of technology and business expertise in its CSR projects, Osman Sultan, CEO, Du, said: ‘Du’s corporate responsibility programme focuses on creating sustainable and economically empowering initiatives throughout the UAE. Musahama is one such novel online initiative achieved as a result of the strong partnership between Du and the Ministry of Social Affairs.’ Ministry of Social Affairs spokesperson Naji Al Haj said, ‘Musahama will be the one reference point for all active non-governmental organisations. We expect this initiative to further the cause of social development in the UAE and enable closer coordination between various organisations. We sincerely thank Du for taking the lead in ensuring the success of the initiative.’