Dubai's Azizi Developments pledges $817mn for new hospital following founder's loss
A landmark AED 3 billion ($816.7 million) contribution to the Fathers' Endowment campaign has been announced by Azizi Developments, marking the UAE's largest private sector donation in history.
The pledge was made in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
In the presence of Mohammed bin Rashid, Azizi Developments commits AED3 billion in support of the Fathers' Endowment campaign. The contribution will go towards developing a humanitarian medical complex comprising a hospital, a research centre, and a medical training facility… pic.twitter.com/JIbJ180XUp
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 23, 2025
The agreement was formalised during the closing ceremony of the 5 th Arab Hope Makers initiative in Dubai, where Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary General of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI); and Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Developments, signed the commitment.
Dubai property giant commits AED 3 billion to Father's Endowment Campaign
'One of my daughters tragically suffered from an incurable disease, and through this project, we hope to alleviate the suffering of countless others facing similar financial burdens,' Mirwais Azizi revealed.
The contribution serves as the inaugural pledge for the Fathers' Endowment campaign, which aims to establish a sustainable AED 1 billion endowment fund.
The initiative, launched during Ramadan, focuses on providing healthcare access for underprivileged communities and promotes the values of honouring parents, compassion, and social solidarity.
The funds will be directed towards constructing a humanitarian medical complex built to international standards, comprising a hospital, research centre, and medical training facility.
This development is expected to strengthen the UAE's position in both the healthcare sector and philanthropic work.
'The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as well as the continuous Ramadan initiatives, foster a unique global humanitarian ecosystem within the UAE, driving substantial philanthropic engagement from major contributors, institutions, and individuals,' Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi said, according to a statement by the Dubai Media Office (DMO).
'This contribution is a tribute to fathers and a reflection of Azizi Developments' commitment to supporting the UAE's charitable and humanitarian initiatives, particularly during Ramadan. We are dedicated to social responsibility and fostering a culture of giving within the UAE, aligning with the vision of our nation's leadership and the mission of MBRGI,' Azizi added.
The announcement follows Azizi Developments' previous contribution of AED 600 million in March 2024, which was directed towards establishing an educational endowment complex in Dubai.
This earlier donation was part of the Mothers' Endowment campaign, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid during the previous Ramadan, which sought to create an AED 1 billion endowment fund to support global education initiatives.
The educational complex, representing one of the UAE's largest charitable contributions, will generate revenue to support students in pursuing their education and acquiring skills necessary for the evolving job market.
The Fathers' Endowment campaign, operating under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, aims to advance the concept of charitable endowments while strengthening the UAE's position in humanitarian work. The initiative encourages donations in the name of fathers, combining cultural values with practical healthcare solutions for communities in need.
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