Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has donated $5 million to Dubai-Harvard Foundation for Medical Research.
The Foundation was created this year to support biomedical research and academic programs to "both advance scientific knowledge and create a regional community of leaders in science and medicine," the Arab News reported today.
Officials said the donation is in response to the request of Dubai's Crown Prince and UAE Defense Minister. Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al-Maktoum.
In a recent meeting, Prince Alwaleed talked about his commitment to supporting academic growth and progress in the region. Dr. Robert Thurer, executive director of the Foundation, Joseph Martin, dean of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Robert Crone, president and chief executive officer of Harvard Medical International; and Salem bin Dasmal, a member of the board of directors of Dubai Health Care City, attended the meeting.
Prince Alwaleed has given his support to numerous philanthropic endeavors, including significant contributions to universities to foster greater understanding between the West and the Arab world, as well as donations to support relief after natural disasters.
His sponsorship occasionally focuses on individuals as well as large projects. Just last week his sponsorship of Saudi Arabia's first female commercial pilot made headlines.
The Prince emphasized his high regard for the vision of Sheikh Mohammad. "Our alliance with Dubai and Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid is that of a strategic and comprehensive nature that encompasses all major fields," he said.
Sheikh Mohammad recently made a donation to the foundation to create the Maktoum Harvard Medical Library, which will be a state-of-the-art medical knowledge center based at the Harvard Medical School Dubai Center Institute for Postgraduate Education and Research (HMSDC).
"We are sincerely grateful for this wonderful gift from Prince Alwaleed," said Dr. Thurer. "His strong commitment to supporting academic growth will be a great asset in developing medical research and education in the Gulf region."
