Pioneering Partnership: Mohammed bin Khalid Institutions and International Animal Welfare Fund Join Forces

The Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions signed a partnership agreement with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in Abu Dhabi to boost wildlife conservation efforts across the UAE. The deal creates a framework for joint awareness campaigns, training programs, and conservation initiatives that blend international expertise with local leadership.

The agreement was signed under the patronage of Dr. Sheikha Shama bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, who chairs the institutions' board of directors. IFAW's President and CEO Azzedine Downes attended the ceremony, marking a significant step in the UAE's broader environmental strategy.

Here's what the partnership covers: joint awareness and training programs focused on animal welfare and habitat protection, information and expertise sharing, and organizing local and international events to build conservation culture across different community groups. The two organizations will also coordinate awareness campaigns, produce research papers on best practices, conduct specialized studies, and run educational courses.

Dr. Sheikha Shama emphasized that the UAE's leadership has made wildlife protection and animal welfare a strategic priority, with legal frameworks already in place to regulate animal ownership and care. She noted that civil society organizations and community institutions play a crucial role in supporting this vision by raising public awareness about wildlife and animal welfare issues.

"This partnership is a starting point to achieve this goal and strengthen our wise leadership's efforts for more attention to the health and balance of wildlife in the country," she said.

Downes explained that the collaboration aims to establish a culture of compassion and responsibility toward animals and nature - values deeply rooted in the UAE's heritage and identity. The partnership combines global expertise with local leadership to empower communities, enhance education, and build a sustainable future where both humans and wildlife can thrive.

IFAW operates as a non-profit organization through regional and national offices in several countries. The organization focuses on reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting natural habitats, and providing emergency assistance while respecting local cultures and values.

For the UAE, this partnership represents more than just conservation work. The country has been positioning itself as a regional leader in environmental protection, and wildlife conservation fits into broader sustainability goals that include renewable energy investments and climate change initiatives. The collaboration also reflects the UAE's approach of working with international organizations while maintaining strong local cultural foundations.

The agreement supports the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan institutions' mission to engage Emirati society in environmental issues and promote animal welfare practices. This type of public-private partnership has become increasingly common in the UAE as the government seeks to involve civil society in achieving national environmental objectives.