UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives’ (MBRGI) 2016 results in a meeting of the Board of Trustees, which he chaired.

In 2016, the foundation recorded a total investment of over AED 1.5 billion on various humanitarian and developmental initiatives and projects, which touched the lives of 42 million people in 62 countries around the world. MBRGI invested some AED 252 million in the humanitarian aid and relief sector, benefiting 22.6 million people; AED 224 million was dedicated to healthcare and disease control, with 10 million beneficiaries; AED 590 million was invested in spreading education and knowledge, touching the lives 9.3 million people; AED 377 million was devoted to innovation and entrepreneurship; and AED 79 million was invested in empowering communities.  

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said, “Day after day, successive developments in humanitarian work confirm the urgent need for a large philanthropic framework that integrates resources and mobilises humanitarian, charitable and development work that aims to help those in need face today’s challenges.” His Highness continued, “We are dedicated to serving humanity and standing by those in need wherever they may be; we believe that our value lies in improving the lives of others, regardless of their colour, gender, religion, or sect.”

“Today, as we look back on our accomplishments in 2016, we feel a sense of pride in the difference that our humanitarian, charitable and community-based organisations have made to the lives of millions of people around the world; we share our numbers in hopes that others may be inspired to join us in our mission to serve communities in need. I call on all our institutions to continue instilling goodness and hope, on behalf of the UAE, in every part of the world, and to be proactive in bringing about positive change and working to build a better future for all of humanity,” he concluded.

For his part, Dubai Crown Prince and Vice Chairman of MBRGI His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, “MBRGI approaches humanitarian and development work in various fields in a comprehensive and integrated way that reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to harness our resources in order to improve the lives of others. Some of the ways in which MBRGI accomplishes this include providing basic needs such as food and water, promoting tolerance, optimism and solidarity, embracing youth, supporting innovation, motivating creators, and exploring the future and the industry of hope.”

Sheikh Hamdan continued, “These initiatives hold a special place in Sheikh Mohammed’s heart. Every day he teaches us the value of people and the importance of working to advance humanity, to invest in communities and to believe in the value of hope to grow nations. This is MBRGI’s vision – to spread hope, make a positive difference in people’s lives and build a better future for everyone.”

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives foundation was inaugurated on 4 October 2015. It embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to improve the Arab world through humanitarian, developmental and community work. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives comprises five sectors that are essential for improving human life: humanitarian and relief aid, healthcare and disease control, spreading education and knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship and empowering communities.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives seeks to achieve integration and coordination among the humanitarian, developmental and social initiatives that His Highness has sponsored and launched over the past years. Its aim is to maximise their impact, increase their ambition, and unite their goals and visions to meet the growing challenges faced by the Middle East and the world.