On February 21, 2025, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai launched the Fathers’ Endowment, a sustainable AED1 billion ($272 million) charitable fund, the Gulf News reports.
The initiative, aimed at funding healthcare services for underprivileged individuals, builds on the success of past philanthropic efforts and reflects the UAE’s commitment to community welfare.
Tied to ‘Year of Community’ and Ramadan’s Spirit of Giving
The Fathers’ Endowment was launched as part of the UAE’s 2025 ‘Year of Community’, which President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared to strengthen social bonds and encourage collective action.
The campaign aligns with the UAE’s tradition of charity and generosity during Ramadan, encouraging citizens and residents to donate in their fathers’ names to provide lifesaving medical treatment for those in need.
Building on the AED1 Billion Mothers’ Endowment Launched in 2024
This initiative follows last year’s Mothers’ Endowment, which also raised AED1 billion for global education initiatives. That campaign provided support to millions of underprivileged students worldwide, demonstrating how the UAE is using long-term charitable funds to impact critical areas like education and healthcare.
How the Fathers’ Endowment Works and Who It Will Help
The fund operates as a long-term, sustainable endowment, ensuring continuous financial support for medical aid programs. It will benefit low-income patients who struggle to afford essential healthcare treatments and services, reinforcing the UAE’s humanitarian efforts on both a national and regional scale.
Sheikh Mohammed’s Vision for Social Solidarity and Legacy Giving
In his announcement, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the campaign’s deeper significance, saying:
“We are launching today the Fathers’ Endowment… a sustainable endowment to be an ongoing charity on behalf of all fathers in the UAE.” The campaign promises to provide healthcare and promote intergenerational values by encouraging people to honor their fathers through acts of charity.
Encouraging Public Participation in Charitable Giving
The UAE government and charitable organizations will facilitate public donations, ensuring that individuals from all walks of life can contribute. The initiative also aims to set a precedent for other regional philanthropic efforts, expanding the culture of sustainable giving and community welfare.
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