Today, the UAE celebrates Zayed Day for Humanitarian Action, which falls on the 19th of Ramadan every year. This day marks the anniversary of the death of the founder of the country, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul.

The founding father has instilled in us values of benevolence. It is the result of his wisdom and compassion that the UAE has transcended borders of the region to be recognised as a beacon of compassion, tolerance, generosity, and one of the most important contributors to humanitarian and relief work around the world.

The late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of our beloved nation, inculcated in us the values of coexistence, love, peace and tolerance. It’s these values that make the UAE home to citizens and residents of different ethnicities and races, providing them a decent life and happiness.

Today, philanthropy in the country has shifted from its traditional, individual concept to a holistic institutional approach that includes the commitment of all government institutions and entities, to not only provide relief material and in-kind assistance, but also being present in crisis areas to provide direct humanitarian support to those in need wherever they might be, their religion or race notwithstanding.

We reaffirm our commitment to continue down the path created by the founding father to dedicate efforts to support humanitarian and charity work and to organise charitable and community events to encourage the spirit of giving and instilling a culture of good, as well as to collaborate with all government entities in strengthening the UAE's position as a global destination for excellence, goodness and generosity.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance