Abu Dhabi launches community-funded building to raise money for scholarships

Authorities in Abu Dhabi have unveiled a AED 9.5 million community-funded building in Al Mafraq that will generate revenue to raise up to 25 full student scholarships or more than 40 partial scholarships annually.

The building introduces a sustainable form of funding for students through an innovative model that transforms community assets into revenue streams for scholarships.

Spanning 4,300 square metres, the building includes 16 offices, four warehouses, six retail shops, and a supermarket that will be leased to drive local business activity to raise long-term funding for the education sector.

The building is delivered under Ma’an’s 'From the Community to the Community' framework, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s culture of giving by bringing together government entities, academic institutions and the wider district to achieve measurable social impact.

Abdullah Al Ameri, Director General of the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, highlighted that the collaboration helps to "further expand awareness of the social impact and subsequent economic development that can be achieved when we unite".

Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, added that the building enables the transformation of community contributions into "lasting educational opportunities". 

In partnership with Department of Community Development’s @MaanAbuDhabi, @abudhabiuni has launched a community-funded building in the emirate, contributing AED9.5 million to generate sustainable long-term funding for student scholarships. pic.twitter.com/n3rDCeLF9m

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) February 10, 2026