This aid covered 26 countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe, distributed among the health, educational, and social sectors within an integrated approach that prioritizes the human element. The Establishment continues to fulfill its humanitarian mission, inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to consolidate sustainable charitable work and enhance its developmental impact both within the UAE and abroad. During its first meeting of 2026, chaired by His Excellency Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, the Board reviewed reports from specialized committees. Internationally, contributions spanned 9 Asian countries, 14 African countries, and 3 European countries, covering health, education, and social sectors, alongside the "Nabdats" initiative, building orphanages, food distribution, heating projects, and emergency relief. The Board emphasized the continued development of qualitative initiatives and expanding partnerships to strengthen the Establishment’s position as a prominent arm of sustainable charitable work. This falls within the 2026 work plan to improve resource efficiency and increase the impact of charitable initiatives. His Excellency Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti stated: "Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we are moving toward expanding and doubling the impact of humanitarian work locally and globally, establishing leading standards in institutional, innovative, and sustainable charity." This support aims to alleviate the burden on low-income patients and provide advanced healthcare. In the educational sector, the Establishment allocated AED 33.5 million to support education, including paying school and university fees for eligible students within the UAE and supporting People of Determination. He added that the sustainability of charitable work is achieved through efficient management of resources, with a core focus on supporting and empowering the family in line with the UAE's "Year of the Family." The Board also reviewed the Establishment’s achievements during 2025 and approved development plans aimed at enhancing financial sustainability and expanding humanitarian initiatives. The Board emphasized that developing investment assets is a strategic choice to ensure the continuity of charitable giving. The financial report revealed that AED 50.4 million was allocated to the health sector, providing eight major health services, including heart surgeries, cancer treatment, and the "Nabdats" initiative for children's hearts. The total expenditure of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment during 2025 reached AED 192.6 million, benefiting 23,600 families within the UAE. These services included financial, living, and emergency assistance. "Al Basti indicated that the coming phase will focus on developing governance mechanisms, strengthening strategic partnerships, and adopting best practices in line with the UAE's trends in institutionalizing humanitarian work." In Africa, approximately 14,000 students benefit from 28 schools operated by the Establishment in 16 African countries. In line with the 2025 "Year of Society" goals, the social sector was given top priority, with ten major services centered on family support. Internationally, support included providing educational tools, stationery, and school maintenance. The Board examined plans for developing and investing in the Establishment’s real estate assets, considered a fundamental pillar for developing sustainable financial resources.
