UAE foundation boosts global aid to Dh1.8b
NO EXCUSE FOR NOT BEING FIRST IN HUMANITARIAN AID — MOHAMMAD
The Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) boosted its aid funding at home and abroad from Dh1.5 billion in 2016 to Dh1.8 billion in 2017, a new report has revealed.
In the foundation’s annual report released yesterday, MBRGI stated that Dh961 million was spent on programmes under MBRGI’s five pillars, benefitting 69 million people in 68 countries around the world as compared to MBRGI’s reach
Dh961m spent on programmes benefitting 69m people
90,000 volunteers helping in 68 countries
of 42 million beneficiaries in 62 countries in 2016.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, praised the results achieved in 2017, noting: “I am proud of my humanitarian team. Over 500 employees in the service of humanity and 90,000 volunteers help us in our journey of giving in over 60 countries. We encourage all of the humanitarian institutions under the umbrella of our initiatives to strive to excel in their work.”
“We have the resources, the will, the management, and no excuse for not being the first in humanitarian aid,” Shaikh Mohammad said.
Global and domestic aid spending by the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) increased from Dh1.5 billion in 2016 to Dh1.8 billion in 2017, a new report has revealed.
In the foundation’s annual report released yesterday night, MBRGI stated that Dh961 million was spent on programmes and initiatives falling under MBRGI’s five pillars, benefiting 69 million people in 68 countries as compared to the initiatives’ reach of 42 million beneficiaries in 62 countries in 2016.
The MBRGI was launched in 2015 as the largest humanitarian, developmental and community-based foundation in the Arab world, with 33 institutions and initiatives under its umbrella.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the report at an iftar held at Dubai Opera, which was also attended by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the board of trustees of MBRGI and staff representing the 33 entities and initiatives under MBRGI.
In a statement, Shaikh Mohammad lauded the results achieved in 2017, noting: “I am proud of my humanitarian team. Over 500 employees in the service of humanity and 90,000 volunteers help us in our journey of giving in over 60 countries. We encourage all of the humanitarian institutions under the umbrella of our initiatives to strive to excel in their work.”
Five pillars
Spending in 2017 was streamed through five pillars or main working sectors, which included Dh194 million on humanitarian aid and relief, Dh477 million on health care and disease control, Dh634 million on spreading education and knowledge, Dh369 million on innovation and entrepreneurship, and Dh129 million on empowering communities.
“We have the resources, the will, the management, and no excuse for not being the first in humanitarian aid,” Shaikh Mohammad said.
“Over the past 20 years, we have embraced many initiatives and projects in which we seek to make a qualitative difference in people’s lives and communities. We invest in the business of aiding humanity, the business of hope and in creating a better life for millions of people.
“In this, we are continuing Zayed’s approach to giving. We dedicate the best of the UAE to all humanity, without distinction between race, colour or creed. We believe that our real values lie in changing the lives of people for the better. The more we give, the more God gives us tenderness, comfort, safety and security.”
Objectives
Shaikh Mohammad concluded: “We will continue to work, build and give in accordance with the vision we have set for ourselves and our team at the MBRGI. It is the service of humanity first and last.”
The Year in Review 2017 also showed that of the total Dh1.8 billion, Dh869 million was invested in establishing sustainable institutions such as the Mohammad Bin Rashid Library, the Museum of the Future and other institutions, an increase of Dh78 million invested in sustainable institutions in 2016.
About 90,000 people volunteered during 2017 to implement the various programmes, initiatives and entities of MBRGI, supporting the foundation’s 543 permanent employees.
Moreover, the total expenditure on awards being sponsored by the foundation’s different initiatives and programmes has reached more than Dh84 million in 2017.
A vision translated
On the occasion, Shaikh Hamdan also expressed pride in the achievements of the MBRGI foundation in 2017.
“This Year in Review report represents the achievement of Shaikh Mohammad’s vision to make hope a real and sustainable business. The MBRGI is a translation of Shaikh Mohammad’s vision to advance humanitarian, relief and community work locally, regionally and internationally.
“Dozens of the initiatives and programmes sponsored by His Highness in the past 20 years have transformed into established entities, which work to institutionalise philanthropic work. This formalisation of organised giving ensures its sustainability, maximises its positive impact and expands its benefits, while surpassing the concept of occasional charity work to instil hope as the fundamental basis in the way we think and plan for the future.”
I am proud of my humanitarian team. Over 500 employees in the service of humanity and 90,000 volunteers help us in our journey of giving in over 60 countries.”
Shaikh Mohammad