TCF to host ‘Umeed 2025’ in Dubai to support education for underprivileged children

The Citizens Foundation (TCF) UAE will host “Umeed 2025”, an evening dedicated to supporting education for underprivileged children in Pakistan. The event, featuring performances by Faisal Kapadia, Hassan Raheem and Shae Gill, will be held on November 2 at The Agenda in Dubai.

Founded in 1995, TCF has grown into one of Pakistan’s leading non-profit organizations focused on education for less privileged communities. It now runs more than 2,033 purpose-built school units, educating over 300,000 students across the country. With chapters in seven countries, including the UAE, TCF continues to rally international support for education as a tool for social change.

The event coincides with the UAE’s announcement of 2025 as the Year of Community, a national initiative aimed at strengthening social bonds and encouraging meaningful engagement.

With over 1.2 million Pakistanis living in the UAE – roughly 13% of the population – organizers say the event is meant to unite expatriates around a shared mission of hope and impact.

Mushtaq Chhapra, co-founder of TCF, said the event embodies the organization’s mission of empowerment through education.

Event flyer.TCF

“Over thirty years of TCF’s journey, I’ve seen children from some of the toughest communities of Pakistan grow up to become doctors, teachers, and leaders in their communities. All they needed was a chance. That’s what umeed (hope) really means to me. “Umeed 2025” is our opportunity to pass that hope forward, to the millions of children still waiting for their chance to build a better life,” he said.

Mudassir Sheikha, CEO and co-founder of Careem, the event’s title sponsor, said education remains the foundation of Pakistan’s progress.

“Pakistan’s economic potential is enormous. Education is the key to unlocking this potential and driving transformative change across the country. For everything Pakistan has given Careem, we feel a deep responsibility to give back. Mission-driven organizations like The Citizens Foundation are making education accessible to the communities that need it most. We are proud to stand alongside them in shaping a brighter future for Pakistan,” he said.

TCF brand ambassador and singer Faisal Kapadia said the event is about unity through music and purpose.

“Music has the power to bring people together, and when it supports a cause as meaningful as education, it becomes even more powerful. I am thrilled and honored to be part of this evening of hope, alongside such talented artists,” he said.

Tickets for “Umeed 2025” are available at www.dubai.platinumlist.ae/Umeed2025 , and all proceeds will go directly to TCF’s education programs in Pakistan.