Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Commits AED 36.7 Million To UNHCR For Sustainable Projects

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) has committed AED36.7 million (US $10 million) to support sustainable projects organised by the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR. This contribution aims to assist forcibly displaced communities and brings MBRGI's total donations to AED163.6 million since 2021.

During the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, a cooperation agreement was signed between MBRGI and UNHCR. This agreement highlights MBRGI's dedication to humanitarian efforts, focusing on empowering refugees through sustainable initiatives that enhance their living conditions.

Saeed Al Eter from MBRGI and Filippo Grandi of UNHCR formalised the agreement in the presence of Mohammad Al Gergawi. This collaboration underscores MBRGI's commitment to improving conditions for displaced communities globally and supporting international humanitarian efforts.

Mohammad Al Gergawi emphasised that this pledge aligns with directives from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He stated: "This pledge to support sustainable projects for refugees and displaced communities reflects the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. His Highness has emphasised the vital need to support vulnerable communities worldwide, offering assistance to alleviate suffering, empower individuals, and instil hope. This initiative embodies the UAE's founding principles of generosity and noble values."

Al Gergawi further noted that collaborating with UNHCR is part of MBRGI's strategy to strengthen partnerships with UN humanitarian organisations. He added: "This collaboration with UNHCR aligns with MBRGI's ongoing strategy of fostering strong partnerships with UN humanitarian organisations and programs. We aim to bolster their efforts in alleviating suffering and empowering communities in need. MBRGI is committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of millions and will continue strengthening these strategic partnerships to support the UN's humanitarian mission."

Filippo Grandi expressed gratitude towards MBRGI for their continued support. He highlighted the importance of this partnership in ensuring sustainable projects for displaced people globally: "Given the increasing scale and complexity of forced displacement and the subsequent rise in the need for food, medicine, and other essential support such combined efforts are more critical than ever," Grandi said.

Expanding Global Impact

In discussions with Grandi, Al Gergawi explored ways to enhance their strategic partnership by focusing on improving services for forcibly displaced communities worldwide. Their joint efforts aim at addressing essential needs and bettering living conditions.

Since 2021, MBRGI has significantly impacted over 700,000 refugees across 13 countries including Bangladesh, Botswana, India, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, Tunisia and Chad through its generous contributions.

A Comprehensive Approach

At Davos' World Economic Forum, MBRGI set an agenda prioritising cooperation with international humanitarian bodies. The focus is on creating sustainable frameworks that respond effectively to vulnerable populations' needs globally.

MBRGI operates under five main pillars: Humanitarian Aid & Relief; Healthcare & Disease Control; Spreading Education & Knowledge; Innovation & Entrepreneurship; Empowering Communities. In 2023 alone they spent AED 1.8 billion benefiting over 111 million people across 105 countries.

With inputs from WAM