We used to be told in our moral science classes in school and college that they who give never fall short. And prosperity greets them at every step by way of divine payback.

That’s so true. The journey, our mortal journey, indeed becomes a rare pleasure and much more meaningful when we decide to share life’s offerings with people we come across during the course of our sojourn.

There are two important things about giving. The first good thing about giving is that it leaves the recipient relieved. The second thing is that a relieved human is definitely better than a deprived human, who is bound to be frustrated. And at the bottom of almost all human conflicts is frustration.

Therefore, the UAE’s stand on humanitarian issues and its charitable ways is definitely a step in the right direction. It all started at the start, thanks to its founding father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a philanthropist with a heart of gold. His legacy has been strengthened under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is moving forward fast with the effective support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

The UAE continues to take care of millions of people across the world.

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.

Amid the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020, MBRGI, the region’s largest philanthropic foundation, carried out Dhs1.2 billion worth of humanitarian, social and developmental projects to aid the vulnerable and empower disadvantaged communities in the face of the biggest health crisis of the century.

Sheikh Mohammed said, “The global COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that strategic and sustainable humanitarian work is the best way to serve people in times of crisis.” “Besides its influential economic and political role, the UAE is also a humanitarian entity and a beacon of hope in the region.” He stressed that “We will continue creating hope across the world, regardless of any circumstances. We will heed the call of humanity wherever it takes us.” He concluded, “As we continue our work every year, our determination to fulfil our vision grows stronger. We attract more partners and serve more people, and serve our conviction that humanitarian work is essential to reigniting bright civilisational goals.”

He couldn’t have been clearer about the value of helping the needy. The aid that is distributed indeed adds up to civilisational growth.

As discussed at the beginning, the country is undoubtedly reaping the harvest of its philanthropic approach. That’s evident at all levels. First, its productive and highly inclusive polity has been flowing like a calm countryside brook. There aren’t any unnecessary hitches. Secondly, its society has become a major symbol of harmony and peace, especially with regard to women’s safety. Thirdly, Emirati women are today astronauts, pilots, police personnel, doctors, professors, teachers, engineers and entrepreneurs. Fourthly, the country — a huge mix of 200 nationalities — displays a watertight and heartwarming sense of communal harmony and openness.

Lastly, the UAE’s international image is very impressive. It is known as a country, led by leaders, who believe in helping the deprived, are humane, are proven and powerful proponents of religious harmony and work tirelessly towards world peace. Long live the UAE and its generous ways.