MBRGI Enhances Healthcare With AED220 Million Donation To Magdi Yacoub Foundation
A new medical complex at the Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre in Cairo will be named after His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. This is in recognition of a generous AED220 million contribution from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). This latest contribution brings MBRGI's total support for the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation to AED320 million, funding the completion of the medical complex and significantly expanding access to quality healthcare services.
The expansion will significantly increase the Centre's capacity to 120,000 outpatients and 12,000 surgeries annually, ultimately serving a total of 132,000 in-patients and out-patients each year. The new complex will also feature an additional 300 beds and 36 outpatient clinics. It aims to triple the current number of training graduates to 2,625 healthcare professionals by training 1,750 professionals annually.
The signing of the agreement between MBRGI and Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation was witnessed by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that the ongoing support extended to the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation aligns with the UAE leadership’s vision and directives to make a tangible difference in people's lives and help spread hope.
"The Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation plays a crucial humanitarian role, providing a vital lifeline to thousands across the region," he said. "The UAE stands firmly with the Foundation, amplifying its impact and ensuring access to life-saving cardiovascular surgeries for thousands of children, adults, and families. This new contribution will empower the Foundation to expand its reach even further, meeting the growing demand for its services both within Egypt and beyond."
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of MBRGI, emphasised the UAE leadership's commitment to supporting organisations engaged in charitable and humanitarian work. "Professor Magdi Yacoub is an Arab symbol of both medical expertise and profound humanity. It is a privilege to collaborate on his vital humanitarian projects," he said. Highlighting the impact of the expanded Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre, he added, "By doubling its capacity, the Centre will meet the needs of a growing number of cardiovascular patients, performing numerous surgeries free of charge and training 1,750 new healthcare professionals."
Impact on Healthcare
Professor Magdi Yacoub expressed his deep gratitude for MBRGI's support, commending the UAE leadership for their unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare both regionally and globally. "This generous contribution will have a profound impact," he stated. "The Centre's expansion will offer renewed hope to heart patients, particularly children in need of life-saving treatment for congenital conditions. By increasing access to care, we can combat the global burden of heart disease and significantly reduce mortality rates."
Dr. Magdy Ishak, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation, expressed his deep appreciation for MBRGI's impactful support. He emphasised that the contribution will significantly enhance both the quality and capacity of care provided by the Centre. The funds will equip five new operating theatres, five cardiac catheterisation labs, and a cutting-edge diagnostic and imaging centre while also expanding clinical services.
Research Advancements
The investment will bolster critical research efforts advancing shared missions between Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation and MBRGI to offer hope and improve lives. The move builds on existing ties between UAE and Egypt aligning with UAE’s strategy supporting development towards increased stability in neighbouring countries.
With UAE contributions totalling AED320 million, funds will complete a new complex in 6th October City spanning approximately 37 acres focusing on treating newborns with congenital heart defects raising their chances by 95 percent.
The Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre is developing Middle East’s largest dedicated cardiac research centre focusing on pioneering treatments for complex heart diseases aiming to become a global leader in cardiovascular medicine.
Cardiovascular Disease Statistics
Cardiovascular disease is leading cause claiming an estimated 1.5 million lives annually in Africa alone; many deaths are preventable with well-equipped facilities. In Egypt cardiovascular disease accounts for 40% deaths.
Established in 2009 by Professor Magdi Yacoub Aswan Heart Centre has been offering specialised medical care free-of-charge soon joining Cairo offering free treatment.
With inputs from WAM


