Gulf Capital, an Abu-Dhabi based alternative asset management company, announced today a long-term 'platinum' corporate membership with Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF, EWS-WWF, the local environmental NGO which is committed to protecting the UAE’s natural heritage.

As a platinum member, Gulf Capital will support EWS-WWF’s initiatives in the UAE, including marine and terrestrial conservation, environmental education, halting wildlife trade, climate change and energy issues.

EWS-WWF was established in 2001 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region out of a need to protect biodiversity in key sites across the Emirates, including species and ecosystems of concern in the UAE, and contribute to policy and institutional frameworks to address environmental issues.

Earlier this year, in line with the #Year of Giving, the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Centre for Endowment Consultancy, MBRGCEC, and EWS-WWF launched a first-of-its-kind initiative to support the environment through endowment, and Gulf Capital have met the criteria to be eligible for the Dubai Endowment Sign.

The environment endowment initiative aims at strengthening public awareness of the importance of environment programmes, and encouraging companies to initiate their corporate social responsibility to support initiatives, studies, and research in the field of environment. Positive participation of the private sector and social figures are expected so as to translate the vision of Sheikh Khalifa which marks 2017 as the Year of Giving in the UAE.

Dr. Karim El Solh, Chief Executive officer of Gulf Capital, said, "We are proud to embark on this strategic partnership with EWS-WWF in the Year of Giving in the UAE, to support the country’s vision 2030 with regards to sustainability and the environment in line with our social responsibility strategy that is built on the pillars of youth, education and entrepreneurship and highlights our commitment to sustainability through education and knowledge transfer."

Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director-General, EWS-WWF, said, "EWS-WWF has been working with organisations across the UAE to inspire, support and further the understanding of environmental issues. Gulf Capital’s contribution facilitates our many important environmental conservation programmes across the UAE. These series of projects address the UAE’s ecological footprint and promote conservation. This collaboration plays a part in EWS-WWF's long-term efforts in creating a more sustainable future for our nation. We are looking forward to working in partnership with like-minded companies such as Gulf Capital to make a positive difference."