Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, unveiled the "Mohamed bin Zayed for Humanity" Foundation during a ceremony at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2025. This momentous occasion coincided with "Zayed Humanitarian Work Day," which is celebrated every year on the 19th day of Ramadan, honoring the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in charitable and humanitarian work.
The foundation aims to enhance human capabilities, support global health priorities, and empower the most vulnerable communities worldwide. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed emphasized during the ceremony that the vision of the foundation aligns with efforts to create a better world for all by investing in promising solutions that enable individuals and communities to thrive.
In attendance were prominent leaders, including Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development Affairs and Martyrs' Families. They listened as Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed elaborated on the foundation’s objectives, which reflect his longstanding commitment to humanitarian efforts aimed at improving quality of life for all.
As part of its mission, the "Mohamed bin Zayed for Humanity" Foundation will work in conjunction with various national institutions to implement humanitarian, charitable, and developmental initiatives that aim to achieve sustainable impacts in underserved communities across the globe. These efforts will include providing immediate relief and support in emergencies while promoting a culture of humanitarianism both locally and internationally.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, commented on the foundation's significance, stating that it embodies the UAE's commitment to empowering individuals and communities and delivering sustainable support to those in need. He emphasized that the foundation's initiatives would have lasting, positive effects on individuals from various social and economic backgrounds.
Furthermore, the creation of the foundation is intended as an extension of the enduring humanitarian legacy left by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, often referred to as the father of the nation. Sheikh Mansour remarked that the foundation would continue the mission of extending assistance to communities in need across the globe, reinforcing the UAE's identity as a beacon of hope and generosity.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed emphasized the need for collective action in achieving the foundation’s goals, saying, "The establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed for Humanity Foundation exemplifies the UAE's commitment to building a more compassionate and cooperative world for all." He highlighted the importance of innovation and partnership in driving new solutions to elevate communities worldwide.
Over the next five years, the foundation plans to reach more than 500 million people across over 50 countries, including regions in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. This ambitious target will act as an extension of existing philanthropic initiatives overseen by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, aimed at ensuring health, economic growth, and stability for communities in need.
The foundation will build on the significant achievements of the previous "Last Mile Initiative," which has previously spearheaded charitable projects in global health. These include ambitious commitments and diversified plans to combat polio, malaria, and several neglected tropical diseases. The foundation will facilitate these commitments as part of its broader initiatives.
Moreover, as a part of Sheikh Zayed's humanitarian legacy, the foundation aims to encourage a culture of giving, humanitarian work, and cooperation both locally and internationally. It operates under the framework of the "Zayed Giving Initiative," which emphasizes the spirit of philanthropy embedded deeply in UAE society.
This strategic establishment of the "Mohamed bin Zayed for Humanity" Foundation reflects not only the enduring legacy of Sheikh Zayed but also the UAE's ongoing commitment to fostering human dignity, welfare, and health for everyone around the world.
