UAE Leader Appoints Maryam Bint Mohammed as President of Mohamed Bin Zayed Humanitarian Foundation, Hamdan Bin Mohammed as Vice President

UAE Launches Ambitious Humanitarian Foundation Targeting 500 Million People Across Asia and Africa

The United Arab Emirates has established the Mohammed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanitarian Impact, marking a significant expansion of the nation's global philanthropic reach. Led by Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the foundation aims to reach over 500 million people across 50+ countries in Asia and Africa within five years, focusing on global health initiatives and comprehensive development programs.

Strategic Leadership Appointments Signal Long-Term Vision

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan appointed his daughter, Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as the foundation's president, with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan serving as vice president. This high-level family involvement underscores the strategic importance the UAE places on humanitarian diplomacy as a cornerstone of its foreign policy.

Sheikha Maryam, who also serves as Deputy President of the Presidential Court for National Projects, emphasized that the foundation represents "an extension of the UAE's authentic charitable legacy" and embodies the president's vision for global humanitarian work across various fields of giving.

Ambitious Scale Reflects UAE's Growing Global Influence

The foundation's target of reaching 500 million people positions it among the world's largest humanitarian initiatives, comparable in scope to major international organizations. This scale reflects the UAE's evolution from a regional player to a global humanitarian powerhouse, leveraging its oil wealth and strategic geographic position.

Focus on Sustainable Health and Development

The foundation's mandate encompasses several key areas: enriching sustainable efforts in global health, enhancing human capabilities, supporting international health priorities, and creating opportunities for the most vulnerable communities worldwide. This comprehensive approach mirrors successful models from other Gulf states but with notably broader geographic ambitions.

Geopolitical Implications for Regional Influence

By targeting Asia and Africa specifically, the UAE is positioning itself as a bridge between these rapidly developing regions and the Gulf. This strategy aligns with broader UAE foreign policy objectives, including strengthening trade relationships, expanding diplomatic influence, and countering regional rivals' humanitarian initiatives.

Emergency Response Capabilities

Beyond long-term development goals, the foundation will provide immediate assistance and relief to those affected by humanitarian emergencies. This dual capability—both emergency response and sustained development—gives the UAE significant soft power tools for rapid diplomatic engagement during crises.

Building on Proven UAE Humanitarian Success

The UAE has consistently ranked among the world's top donors relative to national income, with previous initiatives demonstrating effective delivery mechanisms. The country's existing humanitarian infrastructure, including established partnerships with international organizations and proven logistics capabilities, provides a solid foundation for this expanded mandate.

The foundation also aims to promote and spread humanitarian, charitable, and developmental work culture both locally and internationally, suggesting a broader goal of positioning the UAE as a thought leader in global philanthropy rather than merely a financial contributor.