Abu Dhabi — Famous billionaire Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor from the United Arab Emirates has pledged on Thursday to help 100 Afghan women complete their studies in Dubai universities after the Taliban declared a ban on female education in Afghanistan.
Founder and chairman of the well-diversified conglomerate Al Habtoor Group, tweeted in Arabic language, “Depriving Afghan female students of university education is unfortunate and sad. Therefore, far from any political stance, I am ready, in cooperation with the relevant official authorities, to host 100 female students and give them the opportunity to complete their studies in Dubai universities”.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have condemned the Taliban’s decision to ban female education in the universities and colleges.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed that Kingdom is astonished at the decision of Taliban to deny Afghan girls their full legitimate rights, while UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision jeopardized international efforts to engage with the Taliban in the interest of the Afghan people.
Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and UAE Permanent Representative to the UN, said: “The decision is the latest example of the restrictions imposed on Afghan women and girls since August 2021 aimed at their erasure from public life”.
A well-known international philanthropist named Al Habtoor holds the view that philanthropy should transcend racial, religious, and geographic boundaries. He has financially supported organizations that enhance humanity, such as the Leadership Center at Illinois College in the United States and the Dubai Harvard Foundation for Medical Research’s Simulation Centre.
