Dubai's Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) spent a total of Dh1.5 billion ($408.39 million) in 2016, divided between all of its humanitarian and development initiatives and social programmes, as well as building three sustainable institutions.

MBRGI was launched on October 4, 2015 to form an umbrella for all the humanitarian, charity and community foundations launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in the last 20 years. The foundation represents his vision to serve humanity in all fields.

"Day after day, successive developments in humanitarian work confirm the urgent need for a large philanthropic framework which integrates resources and mobilises humanitarian, charitable and development work that aims to help others face today’s challenges," said Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the chairman of the board of trustees of MBRGI.

"We are dedicated to serving humanity and standing by those in need wherever they may be; we believe that our value lies in improving the lives of others, regardless of their colour, gender, religion, or sect," he said.

An amount of Dh730 million ($198.75 million) was spent on initiatives, whereas Dh791 million ($215.36 million) was dedicated to establishing the Mohammed bin Rashid Library, the largest monument to knowledge of its kind in the Arab world, the Museum of the Future and Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre in Dubai Healthcare City, said the MBRGI annual report.

MBRGI’s initiatives, programmes and projects, benefited 42 million people in 62 countries around the world, aiming to improve quality of life, empower communities and build a better future for all segments in need, it said.

The humanitarian aid and relief amounted to Dh252 million ($68.61 million), strengthening the UAE’s global role in giving, and maintaining its position as the most generous country in the Arab world in humanitarian, developmental and relief work.

As the focus on improving the quality of education and promoting a culture of knowledge is one of the most important areas of focus for MBRGI, the expenditure on the initiatives under the pillar of Spreading Education and Knowledge amounted to Dh590 million ($160.63 million), a large portion of which was allocated to scholarships, grants and fellowship programmes.

To celebrate people’s achievements and encourage talent in all fields related to knowledge, practical skills, creative and humanitarian efforts, MBRGI’s various initiatives have awarded prizes to the value of Dh115 million ($31.31 million).

The MBRGI annual report highlights the achievements of the initiatives, programmes and projects that together came under the foundation’s umbrella in 2016.

It also monitors the impact of a large number of these initiatives, both regionally and globally, and defines MBRGI’s mission to create hope and build a better world, the report said.

MBRGI includes 33 foundations and initiatives which, since their inception, have executed more than 1,400 development programmes that have helped support over 130 million people in 116 countries, in cooperation with more than 280 strategic partners, including government entities, private companies and regional and international organisations. -TradeArabia News Service