Sheikh Zayed Child Care Complex Reopens In Istanbul Following Comprehensive Redevelopment

The United Arab Emirates has reopened the renovated Sheikh Zayed Child Care Complex in Istanbul, expanding capacity and services for children in need. The project underlines the UAE’s long-term humanitarian policy, inspired by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and reflects growing cooperation with Türkiye in social care and child welfare.

The redevelopment was carried out by the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, part of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, under the supervision of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The initiative proceeded with the support and guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi stated that the UAE continues to build on the humanitarian legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Dr. Al Shamsi said this approach follows the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which places people at the centre of development efforts, regardless of location or nationality.

She stressed that investing in children through secure, healthy, and caring facilities is vital for stable societies. This, Dr. Al Shamsi noted, helps prepare future leaders and supports social cohesion. The complex’s model is designed to provide psychological, health, and educational services that support balanced development for children in care.

The opening ceremony gathered senior representatives from both countries, signalling strengthened Emirati-Turkish ties in social development. Attendees included Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of Türkiye; Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi; Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Family and Social Services of Türkiye; Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi; and Hasan Basri, alongside other officials.

The First Lady Emine Erdoğan expressed appreciation for the UAE’s role and the cooperative relationship with Türkiye. She also praised H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for work dedicated to child protection and care. She said that "Sheikha Fatima is present with us today in her heart and emotions" during the inauguration following rehabilitation.

Mahinur Göktaş thanked the UAE for its global humanitarian and development efforts and highlighted the project as a sign of strong Emirati-Turkish cooperation. Göktaş said the renewed Sheikh Zayed Child Care Complex reflects a joint vision to improve family and child services, aligning with international standards in social care and support.

Dr. Al Shamsi explained that H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak followed the complex’s redevelopment closely and focused on integrating all essential services within one site. These include education, health, and psychological support to create a comprehensive framework of care. Sheikha Fatima is also keen to provide a family-style atmosphere based on affection and stability.

That environment, Dr. Al Shamsi added, is intended to help shape children’s personalities and encourage responsible behaviour within their communities. The aim is to prepare children to become active, confident individuals who can later contribute to social development in their own countries, including Türkiye and others.

Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi expressed pride in finalising the redevelopment within a short timeframe. Dr. Al Falahi underlined the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation’s commitment to high professional standards in humanitarian and development work, aligning with the UAE’s wider vision to assist communities and strengthen families and children around the world.

The physical redevelopment of the Sheikh Zayed Child Care Complex covered structural work and new facilities. Maintenance was carried out on 12 existing children’s buildings, a healthcare centre, and a central kitchen. Nine buildings were demolished, then replaced with 12 new buildings, a main entrance gate, and an additional healthcare building, alongside upgrades to outdoor areas.

The current capacity of the complex is now about 700 children, following the construction and rehabilitation works. Outdoor green spaces around the complex were also improved to create open areas for recreation and activities, complementing the residential and healthcare services available within the site.

The main project components at the Sheikh Zayed Child Care Complex can be summarised as follows:

The Sheikh Zayed Child Care Complex first opened in 1990 as a secure environment for children needing healthcare, education, and social support. The latest renovation updates that original mission to current standards. The complex now combines modern infrastructure with comprehensive care services, reflecting the UAE’s ongoing humanitarian engagement with Türkiye.

With inputs from WAM