Erth Zayed Philanthropies drives humanitarian efforts

The UAE continues to consolidate its presence in the field of humanitarian work through a system of charitable and development institutions that operate according to regulatory frameworks and sustainable programmes inside and outside the country, targeting the most needy groups and enhancing the quality of life.

This comes as part of an approach that reflects the continuity of the culture of giving established by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah have mercy on him, and has turned into institutional work based on planning and long-term partnerships.

The Erth Zayed Philanthropies was established by federal decree no. 126 for 2024 to commemorate the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in humanitarian, charitable and developmental work. It reports to the Chairman of Presidential Court and enjoys independent legal personality and full legal capacity to carry out its activities and achieve its objectives.

Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Erth Zayed Philanthropies works to implement humanitarian initiatives and programmes and direct efforts towards the issues that most affect local and global communities.

The foundation oversees a number of entities and institutions and follows up on the achievement of their goals and performance of their assigned functions. These include Zayed For Good Foundation, Khalifa Foundation, Mohammed Bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, Emirates Foundation, Mohamed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, Sandooq Al Watan, Clean Rivers, Global Institute for Disease Elimination, Zayed Sustainability Prize, Khalifa Award for Educational, Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, Mohamed Bin Zayed Award for Best Teacher and Ekthar Wildlife Development Limited.

During 2026, Erth Zayed Philanthropies focuses on the family in carrying out humanitarian projects in line with the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the Year of Family to promote social cohesion and make a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

This is aimed at strengthening governance and work integration among the affiliates, raising the efficiency of institutional performance, ensuring greater effectiveness in directing resources and achieving humanitarian impact, while continuing to develop integrated and flexible work models that enable the foundation to respond effectively to changing humanitarian and development challenges and maximise impact at the national and international levels.

Erth Zayed Foundation seeks to achieve a positive impact in more than 100 countries around the world in healthcare, education, culture, community engagement, agriculture, food security, economic empowerment, environmental management and water with a view to reflecting the breadth of its impact and the diversity of its areas of work.

On Feb.20, 2026, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Presidential Court, Sheikh Theyab Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Presidential Court for Development and Falling Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of Board of Trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, approved a contribution of Dhs100 million from Erth Zayed Philanthropies to Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans initiative launched by Awqaf Abu Dhabi in support of orphan care programmes.

Erth Zayed Philanthropies also sponsors the “Our Fasting Guests” Iftar project at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque during Ramadan, where Iftar meals are provided to thousands of fasting people daily in a humanitarian initiative organized annually in memory of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan as part of efforts to support social solidarity within the country.

On May 28, 2025, Erth Zayed Philanthropies allocated Dhs100 million as a contribution to the “Life Endowment” campaign to support essential healthcare for individuals with chronic diseases in Abu Dhabi, with priority given to people of determination through the provision of treatment, medicines and basic health services.

On Jan.8, 2025, the foundation implemented a number of environmental and community initiatives worth $40 million in Brazil, concurrently with the celebration of 50 years of UAE-Brazil relations.