The Sharq Village & Spa, operated by the Ritz-Carlton Company, has adopted Al Noor Institute for the Blind.

The company said the move is a part of its efforts in fulfilling its corporate responsibility. With this decision, the Sharq Village & Spa reasserted its tradition that extends into the hotel chain's social responsibility programme, Community Footprints, which inspires to positively impact the lives of others through community outreach and corporate giving.

"At the Ritz-Carlton our management and staff play an important role in our endeavor to benefit our community. Without employee involvement, our outreach efforts would not be nearly as successful," said Hossein Vetry, General Manager of Sharq Village and Spa.

"There are some fantastic and bright characters at Al Noor InsBlind Institute and we feel privileged by being able to offer them the opportunity to reach their full potential by participating in our programmes." said Vetry.

The Al Noor Institute for the Blind will receive funds from the various fundraising activities throughout the year, organized by Sharq Village & Spa. These activities include the highly anticipated Zai charity fashion show, which will be held at Sharq Village & Spa on March 27. The proceeds from this event will go to Al Noor Blind Institute.

Al Noor Blind Institute and Sharq Village & Spa will jointly host a job workshop programme for students of Al Noor Institute for the Blind. There are three students, who despite being visually impaired has shown a keen interest in working within the hospitality industry.

Launched by H H Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned in 1998, Al Noor Institute has been doing a yeomen service to help the visually impaired students overstep their disability and prepare them to undertake a more socially productive role. The institute serves students from ages three to 21. The Al Noor Institute is fast becoming the most advanced and well-recognized centre for the blind in the Gulf region. Although the centre emphasizes treatment for the blind, its children typically present multiple developmental disabilities.