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Under the chairmanship of HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, the Board convened to review the Foundation’s 2024 impact and endorse its future strategic direction.
In a year marked by deepened partnerships and global humanitarian and development efforts, Erth Zayed Philanthropies and its network of affiliates worked to maximise their impact in support of millions of people around the world.
HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan commented, “Our approach to giving is rooted in responsibility, not symbolism. It is embedded in our national values, inspired by the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, whose vision of unity and service continues to guide our actions. As we look to the year ahead, we will reach more lives through unified philanthropy that mobilises the collective strengths of our affiliates. We remain committed to working hand-in-hand with communities, partners, and global institutions to strengthen systems, empower local solutions, and deliver long-lasting progress.”
HH Sheikh Theyab also emphasised the importance of delivering impactful programmes that improve the lives of communities, in line with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and under the continued oversight of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. These efforts support Erth Zayed Philanthropies’ contributions to global priorities, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Erth Zayed Board reviewed highlights from the initiatives delivered by its affiliates, including AED1.4 billion deployed across 222 programmes spanning healthcare, education, environmental conservation, food systems, and economic opportunity. An additional AED2.4 billion has been committed to future programming, with long-term initiatives projected to benefit over 450 million people worldwide.
In parallel, Erth Zayed Philanthropies secured over AED2.5 billion in international partner commitments toward joint humanitarian and development initiatives, reflecting growing global alignment with its values-led mission.
Across its affiliates, Erth Zayed Philanthropies leverages the UAE’s global experience in delivery and commitment to sustainable impact. Over AED6.4 billion is currently held in endowments across its affiliate network, ensuring long-term sustainability and continuity of its impact across generations.
In 2024, Erth Zayed Philanthropies also raised AED254 million in local donations to support humanitarian and charitable programmes, and disbursed AED134 million for local community efforts, including Ramadan iftar programmes and emergency assistance, reaching 5 million people in more than 20 countries.
During the meeting, the Board of Erth Zayed Philanthropies reviewed key initiatives delivered by its affiliates. A total of AED321 million was allocated to health-related projects in 2024.
Among the most notable achievements were large-scale vaccination campaigns that reached millions of children in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Gaza, and the expansion of the Reaching the Last Mile Fund, with the goal of accelerating the elimination of two neglected tropical diseases from Africa and Yemen, benefiting over 400 million people.
Affiliates also contributed to six hospital construction or refurbishment projects as part of a comprehensive initiative aimed at strengthening the resilience of local health systems.
Speaking on behalf of the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, Nassar Al Mubarak said, “Health is the foundation on which sustainable global development is built. By working in partnership with countries to strengthen health systems, the UAE seeks to unlock potential, expand opportunity, and contribute to a more equitable tomorrow. These initiatives reflect the UAE’s deep commitment to shared progress and to ensuring communities everywhere have the opportunity to thrive.”
Efforts to advance sustainable agriculture and food security amounted to AED116 million and reached more than 2 million people across Africa and South America, including displaced populations in Uganda and seasonal support across more than 10 countries during Ramadan.
Dr Mohammed Al Falahi, Director-General of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, noted, “Food security is a foundation for dignity, stability, and opportunity. Through our programmes, we respond to urgent needs in times of crisis, but also lay the groundwork for resilient food systems that will sustain communities into the future.”
Education received AED232 million in programme investment across more than 20 countries. Programmes supported inclusive learning for children of determination, early years education, and included a scholarship initiative to cover the fees of 11,000 students from low-income families in the UAE.
Economic empowerment programmes, meanwhile, supported nearly 900,000 people with training, financial access and livelihood support, in particular for women, young people and micro-entrepreneurs.
Mohamed Haji AlKhoori, Director-General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, stated, “Empowerment happens when people see a future for themselves and have the means to shape it. By equipping young people with the opportunities and skills to succeed, we are preparing the leaders of the future who will rise to the challenges of tomorrow with knowledge, confidence, and purpose.”
In the environment sector, more than AED410 million was directed toward biodiversity protection, freshwater ecosystem revitalisation, and clean water access. Programmes led by Clean Rivers and the Mohamed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund focused on both urgent recovery and long-term resilience.
Rezan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the Mohamed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, noted, “Protecting biodiversity and nature is integral to human survival and environmental balance. We have seen that when local communities are empowered to lead, conservation efforts become sustainable and far-reaching. We are committed to scaling these solutions to preserve our shared natural heritage.”
In the UAE, notable programmes included the Active Abu Dhabi initiative. Over 75,000 volunteers were mobilised in 2024, reaching more than 320,000 people through community service, youth engagement, and public wellbeing campaigns.
Ahmed Al Shamsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation, said, “Community programmes reflect the UAE’s enduring spirit of solidarity. Voluntary work contributes to the well-being of the community, in line with the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his belief that serving others is the foundation of progress and prosperity.”
Board attendees included Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Founder’s Office; Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Presidential Court’s Strategic Affairs Office and the Abu Dhabi Executive Office; Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Development; Rashid Saeed Al Ameri, Advisor at the Presidential Court; Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency; Sultan Mohamed Al Shamsi, Deputy Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency; Saeed Rashid Al Zaabi, Advisor to the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; Amal Al Breiki, Executive Director of Strategy and Innovation at Erth Zayed Philanthropies; and Fahad Mohamed Al Ameri, Executive Director of Development and Humanitarian Affairs at the Presidential Court.