Damas announces partnership with Al Jalila Foundation to support medical research with specially commissioned ‘Key of Hope’

Damas, the Middle East’s leading jewellery and watch retailer, has announced its exclusive partnership with the Al Jalila Foundation, a global, UAE-based philanthropic organisation founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position the nation at the forefront of medical innovation.

The partnership agreement was signed last week by Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, the CEO of Al Jalila Foundation and Anan Fakhreddin, the CEO of Damas, at a press conference hosted at Damas HQ. 

Under the agreement, Damas commits to support the Foundation’s medical research aspirations for one year commencing September 2014. The partnership will include several joint campaigns, commencing with the sale of a unique piece of jewellery inspired by Al Jalila Foundation’s ‘Key of Hope’, which was first presented to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at the official launch of  the Foundation in April 2013. The Key embodies the Foundation’s pledge to unlock medical advancements for a healthier society, and to deliver on His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s vision to transform the UAE into one of the leading countries in the world.

The Key of Hope by Damas for Al Jalila Foundation is a limited collection with only 1,000 pieces available at selected Damas stores across the UAE. It comes in two designs; one with diamonds and one in pure gold. The pieces go on sale today, and five per cent of the sales will be donated to support Al Jalila Foundation’s medical research programmes.

Anan Fakhreddin, CEO of Damas, said: “At Damas, we believe in the importance of medical research and through the years it has become a priority for the UAE as it continues to move towards a knowledge-based economy and aims to become one of the world’s top nations by 2021. Al Jalila Foundation has been a significant contributor to the advancement of local medical capabilities since its inception and, as a UAE company, Damas is proud to be establishing an ongoing commitment to such a noble community endeavor.”

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO, Al Jalila Foundation, said: “We are encouraged to see more corporates stepping forward to support medical research in the UAE. As a Foundation, we rely on the support of the community to help fund life-saving research to improve the nation’s health. 100% of the donations we receive are used to fund our programmes directly. We thank Damas for their commitment and the creativity they bring in support of medical research.”

Other campaigns to support the partnership will be announced in due course throughout the next 12 months.