MBRGI commits $599 million to support 149 million people globally

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, chaired the Board of Trustees meeting of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and announced the results of the 2024 annual review. As the largest humanitarian and aid organization in the region, MBRGI spent AED 2.2 billion (approximately $599 million USD) on various projects in the past year, positively impacting the lives of 149 million people in 118 countries worldwide. The organization's widespread efforts have contributed significantly to global well-being and sustainable development.

The MBRGI annual review report was launched at the Dubai World Trade Centre, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, along with a number of ministers and officials. Their presence underscored the importance of the MBRGI's work and the UAE's commitment to humanitarian endeavors.

The ceremony showcased MBRGI's achievements in 2024 and beyond, presented the progress of this year's "Mother's Endowment" campaign, and recognized partners and key contributors. Prior to the launch, the MBRGI's Board of Trustees held a meeting at the Dubai World Trade Centre, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. These events highlighted the collaborative spirit and dedication driving the MBRGI's mission forward.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stated: "Today, I chaired the Board of Trustees meeting of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives to review the results of the past year. Last year, MBRGI's total expenditure in the fields of aid, healthcare, education, and community reached AED 2.2 billion. Its projects benefited 149 million people in 118 countries around the world. I also met with our humanitarian work team of 975 employees, who are supported by more than 170,000 volunteers in all projects. As we commemorate Humanitarian Work Day, remembering the UAE's founding father and symbol of generosity, the late Sheikh Zayed, we reaffirm our commitment to humanitarian causes. The UAE's generosity will continue to extend to all countries, and we thank our nation for being guided in these noble causes, and we pray to God to continue to bless and protect our country so that we may continue to do good in the world." His words emphasized the UAE's enduring dedication to global humanitarian efforts.

Sheikh Mohammed added: "We conclude a year filled with hope and look forward to a year of even greater impact, creating a lasting legacy of positive change. Whether it is saving lives, providing education, empowering women, promoting innovation, or alleviating poverty, these actions embody our values and principles. This is our eternal legacy." His Highness concluded: "We will persevere in serving humanity. The flame of our hope will burn forever." This reflects a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, emphasized that since its establishment in 2015, MBRGI has evolved into more than just a charitable organization. It has transcended direct humanitarian action, relief, and charitable work, encompassing comprehensive and fundamental reconstruction, rehabilitation, and empowerment of individuals and communities. This stems from a vision focused on enhancing overall quality of life, supporting sustainable development, finding innovative and long-term solutions to address human challenges, and eliminating root causes of impediments to progress, such as poverty and disease.

Sheikh Hamdan said: "2024 marks a significant milestone in MBRGI's development journey, with over AED 2.2 billion directed towards various high-quality projects and initiatives, both new and ongoing. This investment has strengthened visible outcomes on the ground and expanded its reach. Among the most prominent milestones is the ‘Mother’s Endowment’ campaign launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which aims to honor mothers in the UAE. This campaign established a AED 1 billion endowment fund to support the education of millions of people worldwide, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to navigate life successfully." The "Mother's Endowment" campaign demonstrates the MBRGI's commitment to empowering individuals through education.

"2024 also witnessed the launch of the UAE's tallest endowment tower, valued at AED 800 million, as part of the ‘1 Billion Meals Endowment’ campaign, the largest of its kind aimed at combating global hunger. The tower aims to contribute to establishing sustainable food security systems for millions of people. Furthermore, the foundation stone was laid for the Hamdan bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, the largest and first of its kind in Dubai, providing free cancer treatment. This hospital will be a significant addition to the medical sector in Dubai and the UAE," His Highness further stated. "These projects are just a small part of the initiatives under MBRGI. Through more than 30 institutions and initiatives, hundreds of projects, programs, and activities are being implemented. Our work continues, and our goal is clear. As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, ‘We will continue to reach out to those in need, to eliminate poverty, hunger, and ignorance in our region and around the world, and to instill hope for a better tomorrow in our Arab societies’," Sheikh Hamdan added. His statement reinforces the MBRGI's unwavering commitment to its mission.

His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, stated: "Under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, MBRGI has established an inspiring model and a sustainable charitable approach. It focuses on empowering and developing tens of millions of underprivileged people through impactful projects in education, health, community empowerment, and youth support, thereby creating a long-term and lasting impact on their lives, while building international partnerships to strengthen humanitarian and development efforts." The MBRGI's strategic approach emphasizes sustainable solutions and empowerment.

Al Gergawi added: "In 2024, MBRGI benefited approximately 149 million people in 118 countries through projects and programs worth over AED 2.2 billion, an increase of AED 400 million compared to 2023. This indicates the scale of the foundation's work and the growth of its impact. More importantly, these resources were directed towards innovative, high-quality projects and programs that contribute to creating a better future for communities in need and enhancing human potential and quality of life." This highlights the MBRGI's commitment to maximizing its impact through strategic investments.

Al Gergawi stated: "MBRGI will continue to fulfill its mission of instilling hope through sustainable and growing projects and programs. This contributes to strengthening the UAE's global leadership as a humanitarian capital and setting important benchmarks for innovative humanitarian and charitable work. It is an inspiring beacon demonstrating the power of unity, cooperation, and dedication, which can truly transform lives and futures." The MBRGI's work serves as a model for humanitarian action worldwide.

During the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the "Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian Medal" to Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Developments, whose AED 3 billion donation marked the first contribution to the "Mother's Endowment" campaign and the largest individual private sector donation in the UAE's history. This act of generosity underscores the importance of private sector involvement in humanitarian initiatives.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also presented the "Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable Medal" to numerous key contributors to the "Mother's Endowment" campaign. The recipients included His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Ahmed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA); His Excellency Abdulla Al Basti, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment (MBRHC); Mohammed Juma Al Naboodah; Masih Imtiaz, CEO of Imtiaz Developments; Imran Farooq, CEO of SAMANA Developers; Ahsan Rasheed, CEO of Peace Homes; Yusuffali MA, Chairman of Lulu Group; Sidhartha Balachandran, Executive Chairman and CEO of Buimerc Corporation Ltd.; His Excellency Abdulla Matar Al Mannai, Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates Auction; Omar Al Mannai, Executive Director of Emirates Auction; Dr. Abdulla Al Ghaffli, Acting Director General of [Integrated Transport Centre](https://admobility.gov.ae/en/home); Brigadier General Mohammed Al Braik Al Ameri, Executive Director of Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department; Ahmed Mahboub, CEO of Licensing Agency at Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); and Naresh Bhawani, Chairman of West Zone Group. These individuals and organizations have demonstrated exceptional commitment to humanitarian causes.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also presented awards to the partners and key contributors of the campaign, who supported the initiative aimed at honoring fathers by allowing individuals to donate in their name to provide sustainable healthcare to underserved communities. The recipients included Yahya Saeed Lootah, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Saeed Ahmed Lootah Charity Foundation; Khalid Abdul Rahim Al Zarooni; Mohammed Saeed Al Shamsi of the family of the late Obaid Al Hilou; Huda Al Rostamani, Board Member of AW Rostamani Group; Mohammed Abdul Latif Ibrahim Galadari, Co-Chairman and Group CEO of Galadari Brothers; Ibrahim Abdulla AlHabib, Chairman of DURAR Group; Dr. Mehdi Al Fardan, Vice Chairman of Alfardan Group; His Excellency Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, CEO and General Manager of Dar Al Ber Society; Renuka Jagtiani, Chairwoman of Landmark Group; Nisha Jagtiani, Group Director of Landmark Group; Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings; Mohammed Sharaf Al Deen Sharaf, Board Member of Sharaf Group; His Excellency Jawaan Awaidah Suhail Awaidah Al Khaili, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB); Muhammad BinGhatti, CEO of Binghatti Holding; Yegor Morchan, CEO of QUBE Developments; Obaid Memoni, Vice Chairman of Al Waseef Group; Abdulla Al Ahmed, Chief Government and VVIP Relations Officer at e& UAE; and Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du. Their contributions have been instrumental in advancing the MBRGI's mission.

MBRGI's 2024 annual review showcases the humanitarian, developmental, and social achievements of its various initiatives, programs, and institutions. These efforts alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations and promote sustainable, comprehensive change, in line with MBRGI's mission to create hope and build a safer, more stable future. The foundation's impact extends far beyond immediate relief, focusing on long-term solutions.

In 2024, MBRGI's initiatives attracted the participation of 171,892 volunteers, a significant increase compared to 160,547 in 2023. These volunteers, along with 975 staff members, provided crucial support for numerous humanitarian, relief, health, education, cultural, and community projects and programs. MBRGI also awarded over AED 38.5 million (compared to AED 25.1 million in 2023) to incentivize and recognize achievements in humanitarian and development work. The foundation comprises more than 30 institutions and initiatives, implementing hundreds of projects across five key pillars: Humanitarian Aid and Relief, Healthcare and Disease Control, Spreading Education and Knowledge, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Community Empowerment. This comprehensive approach addresses a wide range of global challenges.

Humanitarian Aid and Relief is a core pillar of MBRGI, reflecting its commitment to alleviating suffering worldwide. In 2024, MBRGI spent over AED 944 million on humanitarian aid and relief, impacting more than 37 million people globally. Key projects included the launch of "1B Tower," an AED 800 million endowment tower to support the 1 Billion Meals Endowment, and the 20th anniversary and rebranding of Dubai Humanitarian (formerly International Humanitarian City), facilitating the distribution of 1,255 tons of aid to benefit 3.7 million beneficiaries. These initiatives demonstrate the MBRGI's dedication to providing essential support to those in need.

At the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos, MBRGI announced partnerships with UN agencies to enhance food security. This included a AED 30 million contribution to UNICEF to support children and women and a AED 43 million contribution to the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide direct food assistance to Gaza, impacting 1 million people. Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, MBRGI, in cooperation with WFP, also provided emergency food assistance to 250,000 people in Lebanon as part of the "UAE Stands with Lebanon" campaign. These collaborations amplify the MBRGI's reach and effectiveness in addressing global food crises.

Healthcare and Disease Control is another core pillar of MBRGI, focusing on treatment, prevention, and health awareness programs. In 2024, MBRGI invested over AED 210 million in healthcare, impacting 6.5 million people globally. Key initiatives included a AED 37 million commitment to support the health sector in Gaza, providing essential medical supplies, particularly for children, through a partnership with the World Health Organization. MBRGI also made an additional AED 220 million donation (bringing the total to AED 320 million) to the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation to build and equip the Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre in Cairo. In recognition of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's support for humanitarian and medical initiatives, the center's new medical complex will be named after him. These investments aim to improve access to quality healthcare and combat disease.

The foundation stone was laid for the Hamdan bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, Dubai's first comprehensive cancer hospital, in 2024. The Dubai Health Authority announced that the hospital is planned to open in 2026, supported by donations received by Al Jalila Foundation. This new facility will provide crucial cancer treatment services to the community.

MBRGI prioritizes spreading education and knowledge, viewing it as the foundation of thriving societies. In 2024, MBRGI invested over AED 599 million in education, impacting over 100 million people globally. This reflects the organization's commitment to empowering individuals through access to quality education.

A key initiative in 2024 was the "Mother's Endowment" campaign launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, establishing a AED 1 billion fund to support the education of millions of people worldwide. This campaign underscores the importance of education in creating a brighter future for individuals and communities.

The eighth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge concluded in 2024, with over 28 million students from 229,000 schools across 50 countries participating, supervised by over 154,000 people. This initiative promotes literacy and a love of reading among young people in the Arab world.

Dubai Cares, operating under the MBRGI framework, achieved significant expansion in 2024, having impacted over 116 million beneficiaries in 60 developing countries since its inception in 2007. Dubai Cares also partnered with 143 partners to implement 260 programs, 48 support initiatives, and 40 research projects, and fulfilled financial commitments totaling AED 1 billion. This demonstrates Dubai Cares' commitment to improving education outcomes in developing countries.

MBRGI focuses on transforming Dubai and the UAE into a global hub for innovation and technology. In 2024, MBRGI spent approximately AED 278 million on future innovation and entrepreneurship, impacting over 1.3 million people. These investments aim to foster a culture of innovation and support the growth of new businesses.

Under this pillar, the Museum of the Future has welcomed over 3 million visitors from 177 countries since its opening. Furthermore, the Global Food Innovation Summit was hosted in partnership with the World Economic Forum, focusing on innovative food systems and attracting global investment in agriculture and food technology. These initiatives showcase the UAE's commitment to driving innovation in key sectors.

Over 6,229 UAE-based startups received over AED 280 million in incentives and support from the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development. This support helps to create a thriving ecosystem for small and medium-sized enterprises in the UAE.

MBRGI's community empowerment efforts invested AED 202 million in 2024, impacting over 3.5 million people. A significant highlight was the fourth edition of the Arab Hope Makers initiative, with a closing ceremony attended by 12,000 people. At the ceremony, four individuals were each awarded AED 1 million for their positive contributions to society. This initiative recognizes and supports individuals who are making a difference in their communities.

Among other achievements under this pillar, the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development (MBRCLD) celebrated its 20th anniversary, with over 850 Emirati leaders from various sectors graduating from its programs. This center plays a crucial role in developing future leaders in the UAE.