Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, AMAF, has organised an Umrah trip for a group of more than 40 minors, mothers, and AMAF officials.

In line with the declaration of 2018 as the Year of Zayed by the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the initiative aimed to contribute to fulfilling the vision of the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to provide a nurturing environment for orphans through developing the alternative family care system.

Tayeb Al-Rais, Secretary-General of AMAF, said, "Through its programmes and initiatives, AMAF seeks to instill the right values in orphans under its care that make them good Muslims and upstanding members of society. In addition, the Foundation seeks to develop orphans’ relations with their mothers in order to strengthen their sense of belonging as well as their sense of responsibility towards their families, community, and homeland."

Speaking on the importance of the initiative, he added, "Apart from providing the children with an opportunity to learn how to perform the umrah rituals, the trip helped them realise that worship is a purpose and not a mere formality. The experience encouraged them to adopt noble Islamic values, especially honoring their filial duties through respecting and appreciating their mothers."