ICO spent Dhs195 million on humanitarian projects in 2025

The International Charity Organisation (ICO) continued in 2025 to strengthen its humanitarian role both within the United Arab Emirates and abroad, with total projects valued at Dhs195 million.

Of this amount, Dhs170 million was allocated to projects inside the UAE, and Dhs25 million to projects overseas, reflecting the UAE’s vision of institutionalising charitable work and enhancing sustainability in humanitarian initiatives.

The organisation announced the completion, implementation, and construction of 140 fully integrated charitable complexes outside the country at a cost of Dhs25 million.

These projects targeted less developed communities and contributed to improving quality of life and promoting social stability in those areas.

These charitable complexes included mosques, schools, water wells, health centres, and other service facilities that meet the basic needs of residents.

This reflects a comprehensive development approach that links education, healthcare, water access, and worship within a sustainable, long-term framework.

Dr. Khalid Al Khaja, Secretary-General of the ICO, affirmed that the implementation of 140 charitable complexes within a single year reflects the scale of efforts made by the organisation’s teams and partners.

He noted that this achievement affirms the organisation’s commitment to delivering integrated development projects that leave a lasting impact on the lives of beneficiary communities, in line with the UAE’s approach of extending assistance to those in need around the world without discrimination.

Dr. Al Khaja also pointed out that thousands of families and individuals benefited from the organisation’s projects inside the UAE, which amounted to Dhs170 million in 2025.

He emphasised that these projects translate the organisation’s vision and approach in promoting social solidarity and reinforcing the values of giving.

Recently, a delegation from the International Charity Organisation, headed by Dr. Al Khaja visited Mauritania to inspect and implement 90 charitable projects benefiting poor villages and the most vulnerable groups.

The projects include the maintenance, furnishing and preparation of mosques to welcome worshippers during the Holy Month of Ramadan, along with well-digging initiatives and iftar programmes for Muslim villages.

These efforts also encompass the distribution of food parcels to families in need, in addition to zakat projects and other seasonal and development initiatives designed to enhance living conditions and promote social stability, in line with the humanitarian values of Ramadan.

Dr. Al Khaja said, “This field visit comes as part of early preparations for the blessed month of Ramadan, the month of giving, compassion and human solidarity. The International Charity Organisation is keen to ensure that its projects directly address the needs of poor families and that assistance reaches its rightful beneficiaries on time and with the highest level of efficiency.”

He added that the visit is part of a series of ongoing field tours carried out by the organisation in several African countries, reflecting its belief in the importance of on-the-ground presence and in strengthening humanitarian partnerships that ensure project sustainability and achieve long-term developmental impact.

Dr. Al Khaja praised the vital role of donors in supporting and sustaining these projects, calling on people of goodwill to increase their contributions ahead of Ramadan, given the significant impact of such support in improving the lives of thousands of families and enabling them to perform acts of worship.

This month, a delegation from the ICO has arrived in the Republic of Chad on a field visit to implement 80 humanitarian and development projects targeting the most underprivileged villages and areas, as part of the organisation’s plans coinciding with the advent of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Dr Al Khaja said the projects overseen by the delegation include the construction of mosques, drilling of water wells, establishment of Holy Quran memorisation centres, in addition to various Ramadan initiatives.

WAM