His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced the annual results of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiative’s (MBRGI) Year in Review report for 2023, during which MBRGI, the largest humanitarian and aid organisation of its kind in the region, spent a total of AED 1.8 billion on projects that positively impacted the lives of 111 million people in 105 countries around the world.
MBRGI's success in 2023 is attributed to a significant increase in beneficiaries, reaching 111 million people across 105 countries, solidifying its status as a leading humanitarian network.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized the organization's role in inspiring hope and striving for a better life globally.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the UAE's commitment to humanitarian work, with MBRGI embodying the culture of hope-making.
Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi highlighted MBRGI's continued growth, with increased spending and expanded projects. The ceremony highlighted key projects and the Mothers' Endowment campaign, aiming to establish a AED 1 billion fund to support education sustainably.
During the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum bestowed the “Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Medal for Philanthropy” to major contributors to humanitarian efforts and charity campaigns, in acknowledgment for their generosity, including their significant contributions to the Mothers’ Endowment campaign. Personalities honoured with this medal included P.N.C Menon, Founder and Chairman of Sobha Realty; Naresh Bhawnani, Founder and President of West Zone Group; Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Developments and Abdul Rahim Mohammed Belghozooz Al Zarooni, Founder and Chairman of Al Zarooni Group of companies.
In 2023, MBRGI's Year in Review highlights its impactful humanitarian, developmental, and social achievements through various initiatives and programs. Operational efficiency improvements and resource optimization led to reaching 111 million beneficiaries and a spending increase to AED 1.8 billion. Over 160,000 volunteers collaborated with 1,028 employees, and awards worth AED 25.1 million inspired active participation. MBRGI operates across five key pillars, with efforts in Humanitarian Aid & Relief benefiting 34.4 million people with AED 1.1 billion spending. Collaborating with regional and international organizations, MBRGI launched successful campaigns, including the '1 Billion Meals Endowment' raising AED 1.075 billion. Initiatives like 'Bridges of Goodness' provided relief to earthquake victims and emergency aid to displaced populations in Sudan and Gaza. Additionally, the International Humanitarian City celebrated two decades of impactful work, dispatching over 746 metric tonnes of aid to benefit over 1.5 million people in 2023.
In 2023, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, UAE Food Bank, UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia), and the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Centre for Endowment Consultancy continued supporting MBRGI's global humanitarian efforts, focusing on aid, food, clean water, and other essential services.
Healthcare and Disease Control initiatives assisted 9.4 million people with AED 209 million spending, including projects like the Al Jalila Foundation's Children's Fund and the Oud Metha Residential Building Endowment for medical education and research. Nour Dubai's campaigns on eye disease reached 9.1 million people, while construction progressed at the Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Center, supported by MBRGI's Hope Makers initiative. Spreading Education & Knowledge efforts impacted 62.2 million people with AED 242 million spending, emphasizing education's role in sustainable development. Dubai Cares advanced education at COP 28 and supported innovative programs benefiting over 24 million people. The 7th Arab Reading Challenge engaged 24.8 million students from 46 countries, promoting reading to foster tolerance and creativity. The 8th Knowledge Summit and Digital School expansion furthered knowledge sharing and educational opportunities globally.
In 2023, spending under the Innovation & Entrepreneurship pillar reached AED 138 million, benefiting 1.2 million people and supporting the UAE's position as a leader in digital transformation and sustainability. Achievements included the 1st Great Arab Minds edition and the launch of the Food Innovation Hub UAE in partnership with the World Economic Forum to promote sustainable food systems. Additionally, MBRGI introduced the revamped Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award and the 4th Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. The Empowering Communities pillar impacted 3.4 million people with AED 87.2 million spending, featuring initiatives like the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government's educational programs and the Dubai Family Business Management Programme. The 4th Arab Hope Makers initiative received over 14,000 applications, and the 21st Arab Media Forum attracted 3,000 participants, contributing to community empowerment and engagement.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
