Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the results of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) Year In Review report for 2024. During the past year, MBRGI, the largest humanitarian and aid organisation of its kind in the region, spent a total of AED2.2 billion on projects that positively impacted the lives of 149 million people in 118 countries around the world.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement of MBRGI's Year in Review took place during a special ceremony held today at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of MBRGI; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, along with a number of ministers and officials.
The ceremony showcased MBRGI's accomplishments in 2024 and previous years, presented updates on the progress of this year's Fathers' Endowment campaign, and honoured its partners and major contributors. The ceremony was preceded by a meeting of MBRGI's Board of Trustees at the DWTC, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stated that MBRGI's total spending amounted to AED 2.2 billion last year across areas of aid, healthcare, education, and community. Its projects benefited 149 million people in 118 countries worldwide. The humanitarian work team of 975 employees, supported by over 170,000 volunteers, plays a crucial role in these efforts. As the UAE marks Humanitarian Work Day, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed the nation's commitment to humanitarian efforts, commemorating the passing of the UAE's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted that since its establishment in 2015, MBRGI has evolved beyond immediate humanitarian action to include comprehensive rebuilding, rehabilitation, and empowerment. The year 2024 marked significant milestones, including the launch of the 'Mother's Endowment Campaign' and the unveiling of the tallest endowment tower in the UAE, part of the '1 Billion Meals Endowment' campaign.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of MBRGI, emphasized the foundation's focus on long-term impact through education, health, community empowerment, and youth support. In 2024, MBRGI reached approximately 149 million people with projects and programmes valued at over AED2.2 billion, reflecting an AED400 million increase from 2023.
During the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum awarded the 'Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Order for Philanthropy' to Mirwais Azizi for his AED3 billion contribution to the Fathers' Endowment campaign. Other notable contributors were also honoured for their support in providing sustainable healthcare in underserved communities.
MBRGI's 2024 Year in Review showcases the humanitarian, developmental, and social achievements of its initiatives. These efforts, involving 171,892 volunteers and 975 staff members, included significant investments in humanitarian aid, healthcare, education, innovation, and community empowerment. The foundation continues to expand its impact through partnerships and innovative programmes, reinforcing the UAE's position as a global humanitarian leader.