Abu Dhabi [UAE], March 21 (ANI/WAM): The Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans initiative has raised AED 3.3 billion during the holy month of Ramadan, marking a significant humanitarian effort aimed at establishing a sustainable funding source to support orphans across the UAE.
Launched under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and led by the Endowments and Minors’ Funds Authority (Awqaf Abu Dhabi), the initiative seeks to enhance the quality of life for orphans while strengthening social cohesion and contributing to a more balanced and sustainable society.
Among the major contributions is the AED 1 billion Mother of the Nation City project, developed in collaboration between Awqaf Abu Dhabi and Eagle Hills. The project honors Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, widely known as the “Mother of the Nation,” with its returns dedicated to supporting the endowment initiative.
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, praised the strong national participation that led to the initiative’s success.
“As we conclude the initiative launched at the beginning of Ramadan, we commend the strong engagement from individuals and institutions across the UAE, culminating in contributions totaling AED 3.3 billion. This reflects the deeply rooted values of giving and solidarity that define our society and a shared responsibility toward supporting those most in need,” he said.
He added that the initiative reinforces the role of sustainable endowment as a key pillar of social development, ensuring continued humanitarian impact and long-term benefits.
The initiative reflects the UAE’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian work through collaboration across sectors and emphasizes the importance of investing in people to build a stable and prosperous future.
Awqaf Abu Dhabi expressed appreciation to national leaders, institutions, and contributors whose support significantly enhanced the initiative’s impact, noting that such efforts align with the UAE’s vision of promoting sustainable philanthropy and social cohesion.
Launched at the beginning of Ramadan, the initiative saw strong participation from national institutions, business leaders, and individuals, reflecting the country’s deeply rooted culture of generosity and solidarity. It also aligns with the objectives of the Year of the Family, focusing on strengthening family stability and shared social responsibility.
Significant contributions included AED 150 million from Yusuffali M.A., Chairman of Lulu Group International, matched by the Emirates Red Crescent. Additional AED 100 million contributions came from Erth Zayed Philanthropies, Awqaf Abu Dhabi, Mubadala Investment Company, Aldar, Binghatti Holding, businessman Sunny Varkey, Emirati businessman Hasan Abdullah Ismaik, and HRE Development.
Further agreements included development projects worth AED 200 million with MAIR Group and AED 100 million with Lulu Group International. Additional contributions featured projects valued at AED 100 million from Manafie for Development and Investment, Al Sayyah Group, and The Sons of Hamad Suhail Al Khaili.
The initiative also witnessed broad community engagement, reinforcing the shared responsibility of supporting orphans and highlighting the UAE’s collective commitment to social welfare.
Abdulhamid Mohamed Saeed, Chairman of Awqaf Abu Dhabi, described the initiative as a pioneering national model that transforms community generosity into a sustainable endowment system capable of delivering long-term support for orphans.
“The generous contributions reflect the strong cohesion between leadership, society, and national institutions, reaffirming that caring for orphans is a shared responsibility rooted in the UAE’s enduring humanitarian values,” he said.
Fahad Abdulqader Al Qassim, Director General of Awqaf Abu Dhabi, emphasized that the initiative has strengthened awareness of endowment as a sustainable development tool capable of generating lasting humanitarian impact.
The initiative aims to convert contributions into long-term endowment assets, generating returns to support orphans in education, healthcare, and dignified living, while promoting their integration into society.
It also reflects the humanitarian legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision established philanthropy and solidarity as core pillars of the nation’s identity.
Awqaf Abu Dhabi stated that the initiative underscores the strength of public-private partnerships and the UAE’s leadership in advancing a sustainable humanitarian model, ensuring a more stable and prosperous future for orphans and future generations. (ANI/WAM)
