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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), announcing the results of its 2024 Year in Review report. The MBRGI, the region’s largest humanitarian and aid organization, allocated AED 2.2 billion last year, positively impacting 149 million people across 118 countries.

The announcement was made during 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 other esteemed officials. The event highlighted MBRGI’s significant humanitarian and development initiatives in 2024 and recognized major contributors to its philanthropic campaigns.

MBRGI’s Expanding Impact

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized MBRGI’s commitment to addressing global challenges:

“MBRGI spent AED 2.2 billion across key areas such as aid, healthcare, education, and community development, benefiting 149 million people worldwide. With 975 employees and over 170,000 volunteers, we reaffirm our dedication to humanitarian efforts. The UAE’s generosity continues to extend globally, and we remain committed to creating a lasting impact.”

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted MBRGI’s evolution beyond emergency relief, focusing on sustainable development and long-term empowerment.

“Our mission goes beyond immediate aid. MBRGI is shaping a future where education, healthcare, and economic empowerment pave the way for lasting change.”

Key Milestones in 2024

MBRGI's major achievements in 2024 included:

• Mothers’ Endowment Campaign: Launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, establishing a AED 1 billion fund to support global education.

• 1B Tower Endowment: An AED 800 million initiative under the 1 Billion Meals Endowment to combat global hunger.

• Hamdan bin Rashid Cancer Hospital: The largest cancer hospital in Dubai, providing free treatment.

• Strategic Global Partnerships: Collaborations with the UN, AED 30 million for UNICEF supporting women and children, and AED 43 million for WFP providing food aid to Gaza.

Sectoral Contributions

Humanitarian Aid & Relief

• AED 944 million allocated, benefiting 37 million people.

• Dubai Humanitarian (formerly IHC) facilitated aid distribution to 3.7 million beneficiaries.

• UAE Stands with Lebanon Campaign provided food aid to 250,000 people.

Healthcare & Disease Control

• AED 210 million invested, reaching 6.5 million people.

• AED 37 million allocated to Gaza’s health sector.

• AED 320 million contributed to the Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre in Cairo.

Education & Knowledge Expansion

• AED 599 million invested, impacting 100 million people.

• Arab Reading Challenge saw 28 million students from 50 countries participating.

Honoring Philanthropy

During the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Order for Philanthropy to Mirwais Azizi, Founder of Azizi Developments, for his AED 3 billion contribution to the Fathers’ Endowment campaign—the largest private sector donation in UAE history. Other key philanthropists and organizations were also recognized.

Vision for the Future

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of MBRGI, underscored the organization’s strategic vision:

“MBRGI’s impact continues to grow, with AED 400 million more spent in 2024 compared to 2023. Our goal remains fostering innovation, sustainable humanitarian work, and empowering communities worldwide.”

As MBRGI embarks on another year of transformative initiatives, its unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts reaffirms the UAE’s role as a global leader in philanthropy and social development.

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