Music from Pakistan brings together communities in the UAE

Last night’s Umeed 2025 was an evening dedicated to supporting education in Pakistan. Bringing together senior Pakistani musician  Faisal Kapadia and young talents Hassan Raheem and Shae Gill, the event was an evening of fun, hope, and purpose.

Shae Gill, also known as the Pasoori Girl, kicked off the event, showing her talent and range in both orchestral and acoustic numbers. Hassan Rahemm followed, bringing his livewire energy to the stage and getting the audience on their feet. The closing act, Faisal Kapadia, also the Brand ambassador of TCF, held the crowds captive with a slew of songs from the Strings era. Highlights included Faisal jamming with Hassan and Shae on iconic Strings songs.

Umeed 2025 was sponsored by several organisations, including Careem, Habib Bank AG Zurich, Rainbow, Samana, RAK Bank and Emirates.

As Umeed’s title sponsor, Careem’s CEO and co-founder, Mudassir Sheikha, commented: “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 organisations 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.”

TCF was founded in 1995, and thirty years later, it remains one of Pakistan’s leading non-profit organisations, dedicated to providing quality education to the less privileged. With more than 2,033 purpose-built schools units educating over 300,000 students, TCF has become a beacon of hope, transforming lives and communities. Today, with chapters in seven countries, including the UAE, TCF continues to inspire global support for education as a tool for social change.

Mushtaq Chhapra, Co-Founder of TCF, said: “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 passed that hope forward, to the millions of children still waiting for their chance to build a better life.”

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About The Citizens Foundation (TCF):

The Citizens Foundation (TCF) is a professionally managed, non-profit organisation established in 1995 by a group of concerned citizens. With more than 2,033 purpose-built school units, serving over 300,000 students across Pakistan, TCF focuses on providing quality education to the most underserved communities. Its mission has grown beyond borders, with chapters in seven countries, including the UAE, uniting individuals and communities in the belief that education is the most powerful equaliser.