Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched Rashid Villages, a global humanitarian initiative dedicated to preserving the legacy of his late brother, Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on the tenth anniversary of his passing.
The initiative aims to provide underprivileged families with housing, education, healthcare, and social services, ensuring the foundations of a dignified life. Sheikh Hamdan said the project reflects Sheikh Rashid’s enduring humanitarian values, describing him as a role model whose compassion and generosity continue to inspire.
The first phase will begin in Kenya, where the inaugural Rashid Village will be built on 7.2 hectares. The community will include fully furnished homes, a mosque, a multi-purpose hall, commercial outlets, and infrastructure powered by renewable energy. Facilities will also feature a football pitch and sports academy to support youth development.
The village is expected to benefit around 1,700 people, offering stability, opportunities, and long-term empowerment. A school for over 320 students will be established alongside the Rashid Education Project, a digital learning initiative in partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.
Healthcare provision will include a medical center, clean water infrastructure, and preventive services in collaboration with international organisations. Vocational training and micro-enterprise support will further strengthen families’ economic independence.
Sheikh Hamdan confirmed that a new Rashid Village will be built each year, expanding the initiative’s reach while enshrining the humanitarian values of his late brother.
“Through Rashid Villages, our goal is to transform lives, restore hope, and reaffirm that generosity is a way of life in Dubai,”
he said.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
