Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the 2025 annual results of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives on April 25, revealing over 2.3 billion dirhams in spending — approximately $626 million — and a reach of 165 million beneficiaries across 122 countries.
The foundation reported a year-on-year increase of 16 million people served, expanding its geographic footprint by four additional nations compared to 2024. These figures were disclosed during a trustees’ meeting chaired by the Sheikh, attended by senior members of Dubai’s ruling family and key government officials.
Among those present were Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance; Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, Chairman of Emirates Group; Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed, head of the UAE Olympic Committee; and Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Chair of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
The initiative, described by Emirati media as the region’s largest humanitarian effort, continues to scale its programs in health, education, food security and emergency relief. Officials emphasized that the growth in beneficiaries reflects both expanded operations and deeper community engagement in existing countries.
While the sources consistently report the financial and reach metrics, they do not detail specific country additions or breakdowns of spending by sector. The announcement underscores the UAE’s institutionalized approach to foreign aid, channeled through a single foundation under direct royal oversight.
What sectors does the foundation prioritize in its global initiatives?
The sources do not specify exact sector allocations for the 2.3 billion dirham expenditure, though the foundation’s mandate covers humanitarian aid, community development, education, and health programs.
How many new countries were added to the foundation’s reach in 2025?
The foundation expanded its operations to four additional countries in 2025, bringing the total to 122 nations served worldwide.