Today, the whole UAE is celebrating the 76th birthday of his highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. However, he is the vice president and president of the country. In addition, he is the ruler of Dubai. Furthermore, he is the leader who is continuously shaping the region through visionary leadership, relentless service, and social services to society.
This year alone, the initiatives by Sheikh Mohammed have touched millions. Delivering food, social reform, hope, etc, are the prime examples of these initiatives. His leadership is deeply rooted in community development and empathy. Thus, he is working on the large-scale global campaigns and personal gestures of empowerment.
A Legacy of Leadership and Vision of Sheikh Mohammed
Image credit – About her
Sheikh Mohammed was born on the 15th of July 1949 in Shindagha. He started his journey as a public servant at a young age. In 1969, he was appointed as the youngest defense minister in the world at the age of 19.
Later, he became the first-ever Defense Minister of the country after the formation of the UAE in 1971. In addition, Sheikh has also played an important role in the transformation of Dubai into a global powerhouse.
Sheikh Mohammed studied in the UK and trained as a pilot in Italy. The disciplined spirit of both a military man and a businessman is a result of his father, Sheikh Rashid bin Shahid’s, influence.
Sheikh Mohammed turned into the ruler of Dubai in 2006 after the demise of Sheikh Maktoum. Since 2006, he has been the architect behind many of the boldest developments and humanitarian campaigns throughout the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Humanitarian Achievements in 2025
As we told you above that Sheikh Mohammed has completed many campaigns in the first half of this year. So, we have decided to introduce you to the top humanitarian initiatives by him. Here is the the achievements of Sheikh Mohammed:
- 1 Billion Meals Initiative – Completed
Sheikh Mohammed announced the successful completion of the 1 billion meals campaign on July 4, 2025. This initiative has distributed food across 65 countries since its launch in 2022. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) coordinated with this campaign. In addition, a sustainable real estate endowment is now going to find 260 million meals further to strengthening long-term impact.
2. Fathers’ Endowment Campaign – Dh3.72 Billion Raised
This campaign was launched in February 2025 under MBRGI during Ramadan to honor his father’s efforts and support healthcare access for the underprivileged. It align with the UAE’s “Year on Community” campaign. However, the initiative has raised Dh3.72 million with over 270,000 donors. Moreover, it has funded the sustainable hospitals, medical supplies, and infrastructure.
3. Pardons Ahead of Ramadan and Eid
Sheikh Mohammed released more than 2500 inmates before Ramadan and 985 inmates before Eid al-Adha 2025. Chancellor Essam Issa Al Humaidan mentioned that this pardon aims to give inmates a fresh start to their lives and reunite families during the festivities.
4. Emergency Medical Aid to Gaza and Myanmar
Dubai humanitarians conducted two significant and life-saving airlifts under the directive of Sheikh Mohammed in April 2025. So, take a look at the details related to these operations:
- 39.5 tonnes to Myanmar post-earthquake (supporting 150,000 people)
- 56.8 tonnes to Gaza, aiding over 250,000 people in crisis
Sheikh Mohammed collaborated on both shipments.
5. ‘Thank You Sheikha Hind’ Campaign
His Highness also introduced it to honor his wife, “Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum,” in January 2025. He started this campaign to recognize her work in family values, women’s empowerment, and charity.
6. $10 Million Pledge to UNHCR
The World Economic reported that the MBRGI signed a $10 million (Dh36 million) MOU with UNHCR to support forcibly displaced communities. The funds driven by the Zakat and Sadqaah will be used for the better livelihoods of these people.
Nationwide Celebrations and Family Tributes
As of now, the whole nation is celebrating the birthday of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. Moreover, many people have paid tribute to him using social media. You can see the list of the top homages below:
- Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, shared personal photos in honor of his father.
- Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, chair of Dubai Culture, assigned him her “source of pride and inspiration.”
- Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, appreciated him as “the heart of the nation” who turned dreams into reality.
Read more:
Dubai Land Department Crypto.com Partnership Paves Way for Blockchain-Powered Real Estate Future
