The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) announced today a major expansion of its partnership with Peekapak to strengthen the well-being of Emirati youth, growing from 1,300 to nearly 7,000 students. The initiative delivers a flagship offering under the Takween Al Ghurair program, Building Resilience and Well-Being course. Peekapak’s participation in the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) program has been pivotal in accelerating its growth and expanding its impact across the region, offering strategic mentorship, enhanced visibility, and access to national innovation networks. Peekapak is also backed by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA).
AGF’s continued trust and investment in this partnership have been instrumental in Peekapak’s growth across the UAE, enabling the company to deepen its local presence and scale its impact to reach more students than ever before. Through AGF’s leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to embedding well-being within education systems, Peekapak has been able to expand its reach from pilot programs to a nationwide initiative, empowering thousands of Emirati youth to build resilience, empathy, and confidence for their futures.
In its first year, the course was delivered in ten schools, five Federal Youth Authority hubs, and two community centers nationwide. Students engaged in culturally grounded activities that promoted self-awareness, stress management, empathy, teamwork, and responsible decision-making. The program integrated reflective circles, storytelling, and interactive games into daily school and after-school activities.
Participation rates consistently exceeded 80 percent, with some sites reaching 95 percent, a clear sign that young Emiratis are eager to engage in learning for their future. Assessments showed 77 percent of students deepened their knowledge of social and emotional skills, while 86 percent demonstrated stronger collaboration, empathy, and emotional expression. Beyond the numbers, many reported greater confidence and sense of belonging. As one student shared: “Before this program, I used to feel shy. Now, I feel more confident, and I learned how to express my emotions better.” These outcomes underscore a broader truth: investing in student well-being is not enrichment, but a necessity to prepare resilient, future-ready leaders for the UAE.
Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO of AGF, said the expansion reflects a growing national commitment to embedding well-being into education. “This expansion is not just about numbers, it’s about equipping young Emiratis with the resilience, empathy, and confidence to lead. By scaling Takween Al Ghurair, we are building systems that keep well-being at the core of education and aligned with the UAE’s national priorities.”
Ami Shah, Co-Founder and CEO of Peekapak, added: “We witnessed students grow in ways that went far beyond the classroom—building confidence, empathy, and resilience. This renewal is not just a continuation, it is a bold expansion to empower thousands more youth across the UAE.”
AGF continues to help build sustainable systems that embed well-being into education, preparing Emirati youth with the academic, social and emotional skills to thrive in school, work, and life.
About Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation
The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF), established in 2015, is the largest privately funded philanthropic organization focused on education in the Arab region. It supports Emirati and Arab youth through high-impact programs and strategic partnerships that build future-ready
skills. To date, AGF and the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund—administered by AGF—have reached over 354,000 young people.
Takween Al Ghurair, an extra- and co-curricular enrichment program for Emirati middle and high school students, offers academic support, skill development, and success advising opportunities, all infused with elements of UAE national identity and pride, empowering youth between the ages of 13 and 18.
