DUBAI — His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has chaired the Board of Trustees meeting of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) to announce the results of the “Year in Review 2025” report. The report reveals a landmark year for the UAE’s flagship humanitarian organization, which expended over Dh2.3 billion to positively transform the lives of 165 million people across 122 countries.
The 2025 results mark a significant expansion in reach, benefiting 16 million more individuals than the previous year and extending operations to four additional nations. During the meeting, attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and other senior leadership, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that the UAE’s philanthropic mission is not merely about aid, but about safeguarding the nation’s values and creating long-term stability.
“True impact is not measured by what we announce, but by what changes in people’s lives,” His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stated. “Our humanitarian efforts reached 122 countries worldwide, leaving an impact that we pray will be long-lasting thanks to sustainable endowments worth over Dh7 billion.”
A Shift Toward Sustainable Philanthropy
The 2025 fiscal year highlighted MBRGI’s strategic shift from traditional crisis response to capacity building and prevention. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the MBRGI Board of Trustees, noted that the organization’s achievements are powered by a clear vision of innovative and sustainable resources.
A defining milestone of the year was the launch of the Mohammed bin Rashid Endowment District. Spanning two million square feet with total investments of Dh4.7 billion, this integrated urban model merges residential living with commercial, health, and education services to create a self-sustaining cycle of giving.
Humanitarian Aid and Global Relief
The “Humanitarian Aid and Relief” pillar remained a cornerstone of operations, with spending exceeding Dh625 million, reaching more than 53 million beneficiaries. Notable highlights include:
- Completion of the 1 Billion Meals Initiative: Launched in 2022, the program reached its historic goal in July 2025, providing food security across 65 countries.
- Support for Gaza: In November 2025, the “Mohammed bin Rashid Humanitarian Ship” was launched to provide 10 million meals to the residents of Gaza.
- Dubai Humanitarian: Dispatched 789 metric tonnes of aid to Palestine, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, aiding 2.8 million people.
Empowering Through Knowledge and Health
Education and healthcare remained vital priorities. The Arab Reading Challenge celebrated a record-breaking ninth edition, drawing 32 million students—a testament to the UAE’s commitment to regional intellectual growth. Additionally, the Fathers’ Endowment campaign was launched as a tribute to the community’s elders, with proceeds funding healthcare systems in underserved areas globally.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of MBRGI, attributed the success to a “methodical performance improvement” and the efficient allocation of resources. The year’s operations were bolstered by a massive network of 185,670 volunteers, who worked alongside nearly 1,000 dedicated staff members to turn resources into tangible hope.
As MBRGI looks toward 2026, the organization reaffirms its commitment to building sustainable frameworks that empower communities to shape their own futures, solidifying the UAE’s position as a global benchmark for innovative humanitarian work.
