With the holy month of Ramadan approaching, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has introduced the Fathers’ Endowment, a remarkable AED1 billion ($272 million) initiative dedicated to providing medical care for those in need. This campaign stands as a tribute to fathers across the UAE, celebrating their role as pillars of strength and wisdom in society.
A Lasting Tribute to Fathers
Sheikh Mohammed shared his vision for the initiative on social media platform X, highlighting the invaluable role of fathers as mentors, protectors, and guides.
“As we welcome the sacred month of Ramadan, we uphold our annual tradition of launching humanitarian initiatives,” he stated. “The Fathers’ Endowment is a lasting charitable initiative, ensuring continuous support for those in need while honoring the legacy of fathers in the UAE.”
Transforming Healthcare Through Philanthropy
The proceeds from this endowment will be allocated to enhancing healthcare services, funding hospital development, and ensuring access to essential treatments for the less fortunate. By enabling contributions in fathers’ names, the initiative strengthens the values of family appreciation, compassion, and social solidarity.
This initiative aligns with the Year of Community, announced by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which focuses on fostering unity and generosity across the nation.
“Our goal is to nurture love, harmony, and support within families,” Sheikh Mohammed affirmed. “May the UAE always be a land of kindness, and may all fathers be remembered for their sacrifices and guidance.”
A Tradition of Generosity
The Fathers’ Endowment builds on Sheikh Mohammed’s legacy of annual Ramadan campaigns, following the success of last year’s Mothers’ Endowment, which dedicated AED1 billion toward global education efforts. Other major humanitarian initiatives launched under his leadership include:
- 2020: 10 Million Meals – delivering food aid to those in need.
- 2021: 100 Million Meals – expanding food assistance worldwide.
- 2022: 1 Billion Meals – the region’s largest hunger relief drive.
- 2023: 1 Billion Meals Endowment – creating a sustainable solution for food security.
Through the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), a foundation uniting over 30 charitable and development programs, the UAE continues to drive meaningful change in education, healthcare, and humanitarian relief.
As Ramadan approaches, the Fathers’ Endowment serves as a powerful reminder of the UAE’s deep-rooted culture of giving—an enduring legacy that uplifts lives and strengthens communities.