His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the 2024 Year in Review report for the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), highlighting an AED2.2 billion expenditure on humanitarian and development projects. The initiatives positively impacted 149 million people across 118 countries, reaffirming the UAE’s global leadership in philanthropy.
The announcement took place at a special ceremony at the Dubai World Trade Centre, attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Vice Chairman of MBRGI’s Board of Trustees, alongside key dignitaries and officials. The event showcased MBRGI’s 2024 milestones, including the progress of the Fathers’ Endowment campaign and recognition of major contributors.
During the ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed chaired the MBRGI Board of Trustees meeting, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian efforts.
“As we commemorate Humanitarian Work Day, we reaffirm our mission to extend generosity to all nations. Our work continues with a steadfast commitment to saving lives, providing education, empowering communities, and eradicating poverty,”
he stated.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed underscored MBRGI’s evolution since its 2015 inception, highlighting its transition from charitable aid to long-term empowerment strategies.
“In 2024, MBRGI’s AED2.2 billion investment supported high-impact projects, such as the Mother’s Endowment Campaign, a one-billion-dirham initiative to fund global education, and the 1 Billion Meals Endowment, which launched the UAE’s tallest endowment tower valued at AED800 million to combat hunger,”
he noted. He also cited the foundation stone laying of the Hamdan bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, Dubai’s largest facility for free cancer treatment.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and MBRGI’s Secretary-General, highlighted the foundation’s increasing impact, with a funding increase of AED400 million from 2023.
“MBRGI remains a model for sustainable philanthropy, focusing on long-term solutions that enhance education, healthcare, and social development worldwide,”
he said.
During the event, Sheikh Mohammed conferred the ‘Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Order for Philanthropy’ on Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Developments, for his historic AED3 billion contribution to the Fathers’ Endowment campaign. Several other contributors received the ‘Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Medal for Philanthropy’ in recognition of their support for global humanitarian initiatives.
The 2024 Year in Review underscores MBRGI’s unwavering commitment to fostering hope and driving sustainable change. As the UAE continues to lead in humanitarian efforts, its vision of global philanthropy remains an enduring legacy, lighting the way for a better future for millions worldwide.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
