Colombo, 04 Dulhijjah 1437/06 September 2016 (MINA) – The UAE Embassy in Colombo has overseen departure of a group of Sri Lankan Muslim Hajj pilgrims who are sponsored by the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation as part of its efforts to help Muslims to perform the mandatory duty.
The pilgrims expressed their appreciation for the generous initiative.
They prayed to Allah Almighty to reward the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan for his good deeds.
From Pretoria WAM reported that the UAE Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, will sponsor a group of South African pilgrims who will perform the Haj, with the expenses paid by the foundation.
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As part of the programme, 16 pilgrims from South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi left Johannesburg airport en route to Jeddah, and will pass through Dubai.
The Foundation intends to implement a number of new projects, including the establishment of the Rimi Academy and mosque in Japan, a cultural centre and houses in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Ahmed Bin Shubaib Al Dhahiri, director general of the foundation, indicated that these projects are in line with the wishes of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan, and include sending 1,000 pilgrims annually to perform Hajj, including 600 Emiratis and 400 pilgrims from other countries.
A total of 6,724 pilgrims have been sent since 2005 at an approximate cost of Dh121 million for pilgrims from the UAE and Dh404 million for pilgrims from 55 other countries. (T/R07/R01)
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