More than 83 million people in 82 countries benefited from Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives' (MBRGI) humanitarian and social projects in 2020, the foundation's annual report revealed.
As the coronavirus pandemic broke out, the charitable organisation worked on Dh1.2 billion ($330 million) worth of humanitarian, social and development projects to help the vulnerable and empower disadvantaged communities during the biggest health crisis of the century.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, set out the year in review in a special event at the Union House in Dubai.
"The global Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated that strategic and sustainable humanitarian work is the best way to serve people in times of crisis," he said.
"Despite the obstacles caused by the pandemic, our projects and initiatives rose to the challenge and, in line with our expectations and ambitions, touched over 83 million lives in 82 countries."
"Besides its influential economic and political role, the UAE is also a humanitarian entity and a beacon of hope in the region."
Praising the team’s efforts, he said: "Over 121,000 volunteers and personnel showed competence, courage and determination in the face of the pandemic."
He said that "we will continue creating hope across the world, regardless of any circumstances. We will heed the call of humanity wherever it takes us."
10 million meals rises to 100 million
In particular, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the generosity of the public and government and private institutions when it came to donating money, time and resources to helping the less fortunate.
Last Ramadan, as the pandemic affected families in UAE, leaving many out of work, the 10 Million Meals initiative was launched.
This year, the 100 Million Meals programme was expanded to cover more than 20 countries in the region.
Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of MBRGI, said: "Despite the precautionary measures and the abrupt shifts in the nature of humanitarian work, MBRGI cemented its pioneering role in creating bridges between nations, establishing solidarity, supporting vulnerable communities and aiding millions of people in need.
“The UAE, under the direction and guidance of its leadership, will continue its pivotal role in charity and humanitarian work to help provide relief to the vulnerable, empower people in need and answer the call of humanity.”
International Humanitarian City
Sheikh Mohammed also praised the work of organisations and people at International Humanitarian City.
Many global NGOs and charities operate from the desert facility, which can rapidly mobilise in response to international disasters at a moment's notice.
Sheikh Mohammed "praised the pivotal role played by the International Humanitarian City (IHC) in Dubai as a hub for transporting urgent aid, medical supplies and essential food items to various parts of the world in collaboration with UN agencies and non-governmental organisations," MBRGI said.
"Through its efforts, the IHC helped place the UAE at the forefront of urgent relief work during the first waves of the Covid-19 pandemic."
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
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Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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