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The National
20-03-2025
- Business
- The National
The UAE is set to become a philanthropic powerhouse
The UAE marked Zayed Humanitarian Day yesterday, a day after President Sheikh Mohamed described the country's spirit of philanthropy as a 'defining pillar' of its national identity. Zayed Humanitarian Day, observed every year on Ramadan 19, the anniversary of Sheikh Zayed's death according to the Islamic Hijri calendar, is an important moment during which the people of the UAE, citizens and residents alike, reflect on the Founding Father's legacy of giving. It has also become an occasion for rallying around humanitarian and charitable initiatives. This Zayed Humanitarian Day, the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity was launched. The new philanthropic organisation will work with governments and other international partners to invest in healthcare and development initiatives in poorer countries. It will operate under the umbrella of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, which was established by the President last year. 'The Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity reflects the UAE's determination to build a more equitable world through catalysing innovation, seeking out new solutions, and building partnerships that can uplift and enable communities worldwide,' said Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court, Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies. For decades, the global centre of gravity in philanthropy – formal, structured financial donation to a registered charity – has been in the West. It is led by America, where a high concentration of private wealth and strong tax incentives for donations result in more citizens giving money to registered charities than anywhere else on the planet. Charity in much of Asia and Africa, especially in Muslim communities, has traditionally been personal and informal. But as greater wealth accumulates in these regions, they are experiencing a strategic philanthropic boom. That ought not to be a surprise. While America and the rest of the West lead the pack in formal donations, when one adopts a more nuanced view of charity, the picture of global generosity changes completely. The World Giving Index, a widely cited report published by the UK-based Charities Aid Foundation, includes in its definition of generosity informal donations, helping strangers and volunteering time. Indonesia has led the index seven years in a row, while the US ranked sixth last year. Three of the top 10 countries are in Africa. The UAE – ranked ninth – has been among the top 15 for the past decade. The Islamic world, in particular, has always been home to deeply rooted traditions of giving – something we are reminded of now during the month of Ramadan. As the charity sector in this region grows more sophisticated, the world can expect formal philanthropy to become a more influential part of the picture. In many cases, the state has a vital role to play in fostering progress. As Sheikh Mohamed said on Tuesday, philanthropy in the Emirates is both an 'honour' and a 'national responsibility'. There are ample benefits to individuals, organisations and governments from this region taking on a bigger role in the philanthropic landscape. While the Middle East is home to some engines of wealth and islands of stability like the Emirates, it is also home to millions of people who are regular beneficiaries of charitable and international aid. Philanthropists from this part of the world will know best how to serve it, and they are well-placed to apply its lessons in other areas plagued by similar issues. The developing world, moreover, is steadily getting richer, but threats like public health crises, armed conflict and climate change are not receding. Consequently, there is plenty of work for the charitably minded to do.
The National
19-03-2025
- General
- The National
Zayed Humanitarian Day: President vows to honour Sheikh Zayed's 'enduring spirit'
President Sheikh Mohamed set out the country's commitment to honouring the 'enduring spirit' of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to mark Zayed Humanitarian Day on Wednesday. The UAE leader said Sheikh Zayed's humanitarian legacy serves as a source of inspiration for the nation and pledged to uphold his philanthropic principles. He pledged that the Emirates would continue to build on the foundations laid down by Sheikh Zayed by working to deliver crucial assistance to communities in need across the globe. 'The humanitarian legacy of our nation's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed, continues to inspire us to embrace the values of generosity, social solidarity, and service to humanity,' Sheikh Mohamed wrote on social media platform X. 'On Zayed Humanitarian Day, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to honouring Sheikh Zayed and his enduring spirit of giving by extending a helping hand and working together to uplift communities around the world.' Zayed Humanitarian Day is observed each year on the 19th day of Ramadan, the date of Sheikh Zayed's death in 2004. The annual event shines a light on Sheikh Zayed's humanitarian spirit and is an occasion on which the UAE typically launches major charitable initiatives. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, said humanitarian missions remain central to the UAE's vision in a message marking Zayed Humanitarian Day. 'We recall the values of goodness and giving instilled by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul in peace. 'We affirm that humanitarian work is an integral part of the UAE's vision and a deeply rooted approach to its policy. Zayed's humanitarian legacy will remain a source of inspiration for giving, extending a helping hand, and promoting the values of global solidarity.' Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court and chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, said Sheikh Zayed's enduring legacy remained a 'guiding principle in extending a helping hand, fostering co-operation and upholding human dignity'. 'On this day, we reaffirm our dedication to carrying forward Sheikh Zayed's humanitarian mission, ensuring that giving back remains a powerful force in advancing progress and prosperity across the world.'
Zawya
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
4th Arab meeting for young leaders convenes under the title ‘Made in the Arab World'
UAE, Dubai: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Arab Youth Center, the World Governments Summit 2025 will host the 4th Arab Meeting for Young Leaders, organized by the Arab Youth Center in collaboration with the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Ministers of Youth and Sports. The meeting will take place on 10 February 2025. Titled ' Made in the Arab World: Arab Identity, Global Impact', the 4th edition of the meeting is set to convene over 200 Arab youth ministers, community leaders and representatives from Arab development organizations. A select group of young leaders from various specialized fields from all Arab countries will also attend. His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: 'The Arab Meeting for Young Leaders has become a key platform for highlighting the vital role of youth in driving development and finding innovative solutions to the challenges facing Arab societies. It underscores the importance of empowering and supporting young people to become active participants in building a brighter future for their communities and nations.' His Highness Sheikh Theyab welcomed the participation of youth, leaders of youth organizations, and a select group of young leaders who will gather in the UAE on February 10th. He commended their efforts to strengthen pan-Arab youth collaboration and advance the meeting's outcomes and recommendations focusing on capacity building, youth empowerment, talent discovery, and the support of creative individuals. Hi Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Vice Chairman of the Arab Youth Center said: 'We are committed to making 2025 a year of amplified efforts to empower youth across the region. Building on the successes and insights from previous Arab Meetings for Young Leaders, we will explore key ideas and proposals for creating opportunities for youth within both the private and public sectors. These contributions will foster a vibrant social economy through collaborative local and regional initiatives dedicated to youth empowerment.' His Excellency Al Neyadi added: "The fourth edition of this meeting will feature a ministerial discussion panel with institutional leaders and influential young figures from diverse fields. Experts will also address the promotion of national industries, Arab government initiatives empowering youth in the private sector, and the role of international organizations in providing job training within the Arab region. Furthermore, the meeting will unveil findings from reports and studies on the potential and competitiveness of Arab youth in the job market." The Arab Meeting for Young Leaders serves as a platform for collaboration among entities invested in empowering Arab youth across diverse developmental pathways. It showcases best practices and innovative ideas, while also acting as a launchpad for regional initiatives designed to build capacity, develop skills, and create enabling environments.
