Dubai Cares has strengthened its global impact after another milestone year, expanding access to education and humanitarian support for millions worldwide. Since its establishment in 2007 under the leadership of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the organisation has disbursed AED 1.27 billion (US$346 million) in grants, reaching 117 million people across 60 developing countries through 264 programmes, 48 advocacy initiatives and 40 research efforts delivered in partnership with 143 organisations.
Chief Executive Officer Dr. Tariq Al Gurg highlighted that Dubai Cares was founded at a time when the global education crisis lacked urgency on the international agenda, reflecting the UAE leadership’s foresight and commitment to advancing Global South–South cooperation. He noted that the organisation’s approach focuses on embedding scalable programmes within national education systems to drive long-term, systemic change.
Over 18 years, Dubai Cares has supported wide-ranging interventions, including school health initiatives benefiting more than 61.7 million children, access to water, sanitation and hygiene for 4.48 million students, nutritious meals for nearly 5 million children, and training for over 5 million teachers. The organisation has also advanced early childhood education, vocational and digital skills development, girls’ empowerment, and ensured continuity of learning for millions affected by emergencies.
In 2025, Dubai Cares continued humanitarian support in Lebanon and Gaza, reaching more than 761,000 people through food assistance, clean water, shelter, psychosocial support and winterisation aid. It also strengthened partnerships through initiatives such as Adopt a School and Adopt a Library, constructed new schools in Nepal and Senegal, launched inclusive libraries in India, and mobilised thousands of volunteers across the UAE.
As it approaches its 20th anniversary in 2027, Dubai Cares remains aligned with the UAE’s national priorities and foreign aid strategy, reaffirming education as a cornerstone of sustainable development and global cooperation.
