Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE Fulfils 418 Wishes For Children In Year Of Community

The Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE, under the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Sheikha bint Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, has made significant strides in 2025. In the first half of the year alone, 418 wishes were fulfilled for children with life-threatening illnesses. This achievement aligns with the UAE's "Year of Community," a theme that inspired increased efforts to bring joy and hope to these children.

H.H. Sheikha Sheikha bint Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan remarked, "The Year of the Community was a powerful motivator for us to double our efforts and elevate our sense of responsibility toward sick children and their families, reaffirming that the UAE will always remain a beacon of hope and a voice of compassion."

The foundation extended its reach beyond the UAE, granting wishes in Egypt (109), Jordan (63), and Yemen (15). Within the UAE itself, 231 wishes were fulfilled. This effort reflects a commitment to cultural openness and diversity, as children from 25 different nationalities benefited from these initiatives.

H.H. Sheikha Sheikha further explained that fulfilling each wish is akin to sending a message of life. The smiles on children's faces illuminate paths of hope and restore humanity's true essence. These accomplishments are due to collaborative efforts between the foundation and its partners across various sectors.

The granted wishes fell into three main categories: receiving items, visiting places, and traveling abroad. A total of 369 wishes involved receiving items like electronic devices, bicycles, electric scooters, and even unique requests such as a Shaheen falcon or a camel. These reflected children's varied interests.

In terms of travel within the country, 48 wishes included visits to popular destinations like Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld, Ferrari World, and more. These trips provided joyful experiences combined with entertainment for the children.

International Adventures

For those wishing to explore beyond borders, 39 international trips were arranged. Destinations included Disneyland in Orlando and Paris, Tokyo in Japan, Manchester in England, Korea, Switzerland, Germany, Bosnia, Maldives, Thailand, Moscow in Russia, India’s Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and religious journeys like Umrah.

"Every wish we fulfill is a message of life," said H.H. Sheikha Sheikha bint Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan. "Every child’s smile lights the paths of hope and restores the true meaning of humanity." The foundation's success is attributed to teamwork among public and private sector partners.

She expressed gratitude towards all supporters who played a crucial role in this humanitarian mission: "You are the true heartbeat of this humanitarian work. Thanks to you, the foundation can continue fulfilling its noble mission with commitment and professionalism."

With inputs from WAM