Fathers' Endowment Campaign Achieves AED 3.72 Billion With Over 277,000 Contributors In UAE

The Fathers’ Endowment campaign, initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has surpassed expectations by raising twice its target in less than a month. Launched on 21st February 2025, the campaign aims to honour fathers in the UAE through a sustainable endowment fund. The proceeds are dedicated to providing healthcare and treatment for those in need.

Contributions to the campaign reached AED 3.720 billion before Ramadan ended, with over 277,000 people participating. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid expressed gratitude for the community's support, highlighting the UAE's commitment to unity and humanitarian causes. He stated: "As Ramadan concludes in the Year of Community, our society has demonstrated remarkable cohesion and solidarity in its dedication to humanitarian causes, embodying the values of giving and generosity."

The campaign saw enthusiastic participation from various sectors, including institutions and individuals. Contributions were made through multiple channels such as the initiative's website, SMS messages for du and e& UAE users, bank transfers, call centres, the "Dubai Now" app, and the "Jood" platform (Jood.ae). This broad engagement underscores the UAE's dedication to fostering hope and unity.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary General of MBRGI, emphasized that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision promotes sustainable humanitarian support. This approach encourages collective action for positive change and focuses on empowering individuals by enhancing their quality of life.

This year’s campaign received substantial backing from major contributors. Azizi Developments pledged AED 3 billion—the largest private sector contribution in UAE history—to fund a humanitarian medical complex in Dubai. This facility will include a hospital, research centre, and medical training facility built to international standards.

Education entrepreneur Sunny Varkey contributed AED 100 million towards the campaign’s goals. Other real estate developers also supported with endowments: Imtiaz Developments (AED 50 million), Peace Homes Development (AED 50 million), SAMANA Developers (AED 40 million), and Buimerc Corporation Ltd. (AED 20 million). These contributions will enhance healthcare facilities in underserved communities.

Charity Auctions Boost Campaign

Key events like the Most Noble Number charity auctions significantly boosted the campaign’s success. Held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, these auctions raised AED 167.461 million collectively. The Dubai auction alone generated AED 83.784 million from vehicle plate numbers and mobile numbers from e& UAE and du.

The Integrated Transport Centre organized an online charity auction under Abu Dhabi Mobility's Department of Municipalities and Transport. It raised another AED 83.784 million from special plate numbers.

A Legacy of Generosity

The Fathers’ Endowment campaign builds upon previous successful Ramadan initiatives led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum under MBRGI’s umbrella. Past campaigns include ‘10 Million Meals’ in 2020 with over 15.3 million meals distributed globally; ‘100 Million Meals’ in 2021 which doubled its target; ‘1 Billion Meals’ in 2022 reaching its goal within a month; followed by ‘1 Billion Meals Endowment’ raising AED 1.075 billion last year.

The Mothers’ Endowment campaign last year aimed at honouring mothers through a AED 1 billion fund supporting global education exceeded expectations by raising over AED 1.4 billion before Ramadan ended.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid thanked all contributors for their generosity towards addressing pressing humanitarian needs while reinforcing UAE’s role as a leader in human empowerment through sustainable development programs focused on creating better futures marked by progress and prosperity.

With inputs from WAM