On the occasion of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s 76th birthday on July 15, 2025, Dubai celebrates a visionary leader whose humanitarian efforts have left a lasting impact both locally and globally. From food aid and healthcare to prisoner pardons and refugee support, his 2025 initiatives reflect a legacy rooted in compassion, generosity, and community service.
As the UAE marks the 76th birthday of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the city reflects on a year defined by his remarkable humanitarian achievements. Guided by a steadfast commitment to compassion, Sheikh Mohammed’s vision has impacted lives across borders—from food relief and healthcare to inmate rehabilitation and refugee support.
1 Billion Meals Initiative Successfully Completed
One of the most significant milestones of 2025 came on July 4, when Sheikh Mohammed announced the successful completion of the 1 Billion Meals campaign. Originally launched during Ramadan 2022, the initiative delivered its billionth meal across 65 countries—making it one of the largest food aid campaigns ever in the region.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), in collaboration with international humanitarian organizations and UN agencies, played a vital role in ensuring the campaign's success. To sustain the impact, Sheikh Mohammed unveiled a new plan to distribute an additional 260 million meals in the coming year, backed by a sustainable real estate endowment. The initiative has become a lasting symbol of the UAE’s commitment to eradicating hunger and promoting global solidarity.
Pardons That Inspire Hope and Renewal
In acts reflecting his dedication to rehabilitation and community reintegration, Sheikh Mohammed ordered the release of thousands of inmates from Dubai’s correctional facilities this year. Ahead of Ramadan, 1,518 prisoners of various nationalities were pardoned, followed by the release of 985 more ahead of Eid Al Adha in June.
Chancellor Essam Issa Al Humaidan, Attorney General of Dubai, noted that the gesture aimed to bring joy to the families of the inmates and provide them with an opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society. These pardons represent Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of second chances and healing through compassion.
Humanitarian Airlifts to Global Crisis Zones
April 2025 witnessed two major international relief missions under Sheikh Mohammed’s direction. On April 11, in response to a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, Dubai Humanitarian dispatched an aircraft carrying 39.5 metric tonnes of vital medical supplies. The aid, provided in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO), supported over 150,000 affected individuals.
Later, on April 24, a second humanitarian airlift delivered 56.8 metric tonnes of WHO medical aid to Egypt’s El Arish Airport, destined for Gaza. This marked the 25th shipment from Dubai to the region, benefiting more than 250,000 people. Both missions underscored Dubai’s unwavering support for communities in crisis and its growing role in global humanitarian logistics.
Fathers’ Endowment Campaign Raises Record-Breaking Dh3.72 Billion
During Ramadan, Sheikh Mohammed launched the Fathers’ Endowment campaign under the MBRGI banner. Running from February 21 to March 2025, the initiative honored fathers by raising funds for sustainable healthcare projects for underprivileged communities. With contributions from more than 277,000 donors, the campaign raised a record Dh3.72 billion—far exceeding its Dh1 billion target.
The funds will support hospital development, provision of medical supplies, and care for patients in need. Sheikh Mohammed celebrated the campaign’s success on social media, stating, “This nation is truly blessed, blessed with generosity, with achievement, with tolerance.”
A Personal Tribute: ‘Thank You Sheikha Hind’
On January 4, 2025, Sheikh Mohammed launched the "Thank You Sheikha Hind" campaign in place of the traditional Accession Day celebrations. The heartfelt initiative honored his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, for her lifelong dedication to family, social progress, and humanitarian work.
This tribute recognized Sheikha Hind’s vital role in promoting Emirati family values, championing women’s empowerment, and driving impactful charitable projects. The campaign resonated deeply with the public, highlighting the values of gratitude and unity within the UAE’s leadership.
Dh36 Million Commitment to Refugees through UNHCR Partnership
Further cementing his global humanitarian legacy, Sheikh Mohammed’s MBRGI pledged $10 million (Dh36 million) to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) during the World Economic Forum 2025. The agreement, signed by Saeed Al Eter, Assistant Secretary General of MBRGI, and Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, aims to support sustainable livelihoods for refugees and internally displaced people.
The donation, facilitated through Zakat and Sadaqah, will help fund education, job training, and social support for vulnerable populations worldwide, reaffirming the UAE’s role in international development and crisis relief.
From feeding the hungry to healing the sick, freeing prisoners, and empowering displaced families, 2025 has been a year that reaffirms Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s status as a global humanitarian leader. As Dubai celebrates his 76th birthday, it also honors a legacy of empathy, generosity, and enduring commitment to building a better, more compassionate world.
