Dh3.3 Billion Raised for Orphans Through Ramadan Initiative.
ABU DHABI: Since its launch under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans initiative, launched by the Endowments and Minors’ Funds Authority – Awqaf Abu Dhabi at the start of Ramadan, has raised Dh3.3 billion during the Holy Month. The initiative represents a pioneering humanitarian model and a national effort to establish a sustainable endowment to support orphans across the UAE, improve their quality of life, strengthen social cohesion, and contribute to a more balanced and sustainable society.
Among the notable contributions is the Dh1 billion Mother of the Nation City project, launched through a partnership between Awqaf Abu Dhabi and Eagle Hills.
The project honors the exceptional care and dedication of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation,” Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF). Recognized as the driving force of giving and generosity in UAE society, the project’s returns are dedicated to supporting the Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, said:
“As we conclude the Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans initiative, launched at the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan and carried through its blessed days, we commend the strong engagement of individuals and institutions across the UAE, which has resulted in an impressive Dh3.3 billion in contributions.
This achievement reflects the deeply rooted values of giving and solidarity that define our society, as well as a collective sense of responsibility toward supporting those most in need. The initiative has also highlighted the role of sustainable endowments as a cornerstone of social development, ensuring the continuity and growth of its humanitarian impact.”
Humanitarian work:
“The success of this initiative reflects the UAE’s longstanding approach to charitable activities, built on collaboration and integration across sectors. It underscores our belief that investing in people is fundamental to building a more stable and prosperous future. We will continue to advance impactful initiatives that enhance quality of life and further strengthen endowments as an effective development tool, contributing to a more cohesive and sustainable society,” said Awqaf Abu Dhabi.
The initiative serves as an inspiring humanitarian model and a national effort to establish a sustainable endowment dedicated to supporting orphans across the UAE, improving their quality of life, strengthening social cohesion, and contributing to a balanced and sustainable society.
Awqaf Abu Dhabi expressed sincere appreciation to Their Highnesses the Sheikhs and major supporters, whose generous contributions played a pivotal role in enhancing the initiative’s humanitarian impact.
Values of giving and sustainable philanthropy:
The Authority affirmed that these contributions reflect the UAE leadership’s longstanding commitment to promoting the values of giving and sustainable philanthropy, while advancing its vision of strengthening social cohesion and supporting the most vulnerable members of society.
The initiative, launched on the first day of Ramadan, saw strong community engagement and active participation from national institutions, business leaders, and individuals, highlighting the deeply rooted values of generosity and solidarity within UAE society.
It also supports the objectives of the Year of the Family by promoting family stability and reinforcing shared social responsibility toward vulnerable groups.
Community solidarity:
The initiative demonstrated a high level of community solidarity and institutional support, with significant contributions from numerous organizations and business leaders.
Among the most notable contributions were Dh150 million from Yusuffali M.A., Chairman of Lulu Group International, and Dh150 million from Emirates Red Crescent, along with Dh100 million each from Erth Zayed Philanthropies, Awqaf Abu Dhabi, Mubadala Investment Company, Aldar, Binghatti Holding, businessman Sunny Varkey, Emirati businessman Hasan Abdullah Ismaik, and HRE Development.
Additionally, an agreement was signed with MAIR Group to implement development projects valued at Dh200 million, and another with Lulu Group International for projects worth Dh100 million.
Further contributions included development projects worth Dh100 million from Manafie for Development and Investment and AlSayyah Group, as well as projects valued at Dh100 million from The Sons of Hamad Suhail Al Khaili.
The initiative also benefited from numerous supportive community efforts by institutions, national figures, and philanthropists, reaffirming that caring for orphans is a shared responsibility uniting all segments of society, and that the UAE community stands together as one family to support its members and strengthen their stability and future.
Abdulhamid Mohamed Saeed, Chairman of the Endowments and Minors’ Funds Authority – Awqaf Abu Dhabi, said: “The Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans initiative represents a pioneering national model that transforms community generosity into a sustainable endowment system, capable of providing continuous support for orphans and amplifying its impact across generations.”
Generous contributions:
“The generous contributions received throughout the initiative reflect the strong cohesion between the leadership, society, and national institutions, reaffirming that caring for orphans is a shared responsibility rooted in the UAE’s enduring humanitarian values.
At Awqaf Abu Dhabi, we are proud that this initiative has helped strengthen endowment as a strategic development tool, supporting investment in people and advancing sustainable philanthropy in the UAE,” said Awqaf Abu Dhabi officials.
Fahad Abdulqader Al Qassim, Director General of the Endowments and Minors’ Funds Authority – Awqaf Abu Dhabi, added: “The broad participation witnessed throughout the Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans initiative reflects the deeply rooted culture of generosity and solidarity within UAE society.
This initiative has also helped raise awareness of endowment as a sustainable development tool, capable of transforming individual and institutional contributions into long-term humanitarian impact that benefits orphans and society as a whole. We greatly value the support of the wise leadership and all contributors who played a key role in the success of this initiative.”
Sustainable endowment assets:
The Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans initiative seeks to transform community contributions into sustainable endowment assets, invested through an approved institutional model that generates long-term returns dedicated to supporting orphans in areas such as education, healthcare, and dignified living. This approach aims to enhance their quality of life and strengthen their integration into society.
The initiative also reflects the humanitarian legacy of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision established philanthropy and solidarity as foundational pillars of the UAE’s national identity.
It further embodies the values championed by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation,” in supporting families and reinforcing their stability, while highlighting endowment as a sustainable development tool capable of creating lasting humanitarian impact across generations.
Awqaf Abu Dhabi emphasized that the initiative’s achievements demonstrate the strength of partnerships between the public and private sectors and the wider community, reaffirming the UAE’s continued leadership in promoting a humanitarian model grounded in solidarity and sustainability, and ensuring a more stable and prosperous future for orphans and future generations.
