Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, has announced the launch of the Rashid Villages project to mark the 10th death anniversary of his late brother, Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed. The initiative aims to provide disadvantaged families around the world with access to housing, education, health care, and social services, preserving Sheikh Rashid’s legacy of compassion and generosity.
Sheikh Rashid, the eldest son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, passed away in 2015 at the age of 33 following a heart attack. Remembering him as both “a best friend and a childhood companion,” Sheikh Hamdan said the project is a “lasting tribute to his profound humanitarian legacy and a testament to the values that defined his life.” The announcement was shared by the Dubai Media Office on Thursday.
The first Rashid Village will be established in Kenya, covering 7.2 hectares, with sustainable design principles focused on renewable energy. It will feature fully furnished homes, a school for 320 students equipped with digital learning tools, a health centre, a mosque, a multipurpose hall for 500 people, and a football pitch with a sports academy. In addition, endowment-based commercial outlets will be introduced to generate long-term income for residents, while modern infrastructure such as fire safety systems, security cameras, and solar-powered lighting will ensure safety and sustainability.
Organisers said the inaugural village is expected to directly benefit around 1,700 people, offering new opportunities and improving living standards for hundreds of families. Under the initiative, one model village will be launched every year to expand its reach, with each serving as a beacon of Sheikh Rashid’s enduring humanitarian vision.
By linking Sheikh Rashid’s memory to a tangible and forward-looking development programme, the Rashid Villages project highlights Dubai’s ongoing role in promoting humanitarian aid and sustainable growth worldwide. It is a reminder that the values of generosity, service, and compassion continue to guide the emirate’s leadership in shaping a better future for vulnerable communities.
