Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed opens orphanage, launches 60-home village in Philippines
- Last updated: October 16, 2026 | 22:13
Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, affirmed that humanitarian and charitable work is a deeply rooted pillar of the United Arab Emirates, which spares no effort in extending a helping hand and providing the necessary support to those in need around the world. The UAE conveys a message of goodness, compassion, and humanity that brings together peoples of all races and ethnicities.
This took place as Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed laid the foundation stone for Al Reeh Al Mursala Village and inaugurated Dar Al Rahma Orphanage in the Dinas area on the island of Mindanao in the Republic of the Philippines.
The village will be built with support from the “Al Reeh Al Mursala” programme of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, in cooperation with Sharjah Charity International. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed expressed his deep appreciation to all individuals and institutions who contributed through their generous donations, affirming that their support helps meet the essential needs of underprivileged villages and their families, improving their living conditions and quality of life.
Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed highlighted the importance of integrated charitable projects that provide underprivileged villages with essential necessities, contribute to the stability of those in need and their families, and enable them to live with dignity, ultimately helping them become educated and productive communities.
For his part, Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, affirmed that the charitable projects in the Republic of the Philippines reflect the noble humanitarian partnership between the Authority and Sharjah Charity International. Philanthropists and donors participate through the “Al Reeh Al Mursala” programme, which is broadcast across the Authority’s television and radio platforms. The programme has contributed to the establishment of numerous donor-supported projects, including Al Reeh Al Mursala villages, healthcare centres, and humanitarian initiatives that provide people in need with life’s essentials, while also developing their skills and productive capabilities and ensuring sustainable income for their families.
The Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority highlighted the importance of humanitarian partnerships and their role in making a profound difference in the lives of those in need, helping to provide them with safe and stable living conditions. He commended the support of donors and philanthropists, which reflects humanitarian values and solidarity with those in need, and prayed to Almighty Allah to accept their donations and good deeds.
The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah laid the foundation stone for Al Reeh Al Mursala Village and reviewed the project’s plans and designs, which outline the homes, facilities, and services to be provided to meet residents’ diverse needs. The village will comprise 60 homes, each with two bedrooms and a living room.
The village will also feature an artesian well to ensure a sustainable supply of clean water for residents, as well as a vocational centre that will enhance their skills and enable them to develop their capabilities, empowering them to become productive individuals whose work benefits the community and provides residents with a sustainable source of income.
Al Reeh Al Mursala Village represents a model for charitable projects that create an integrated community, offering suitable housing that promotes family stability and security, a reliable water supply as an essential necessity of life, and opportunities for learning, development, care, and professional achievement through a vocational centre that supports residents in developing their skills. The village is the result of generous support from donors and philanthropists through the “Al Reeh Al Mursala” programme, broadcast on Sharjah TV and Sharjah Radio, both affiliated with the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, in cooperation with Sharjah Charity International.
The Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council then proceeded to Dar Al Rahma Orphanage, where he cut the ceremonial ribbon to mark its official opening. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed toured the facility and reviewed its amenities, beginning with the mosque, where prayers are held, and then the accommodation building, which can house 50 orphans. The building has been equipped with high-quality facilities to meet their daily needs, allowing them to live in comfort and security, practise a variety of life skills, and interact socially with one another.
Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed also visited the four classrooms, including a computer laboratory that provides access to learning resources and helps develop the orphans’ digital skills, as well as multipurpose classrooms designed to provide an educational environment equipped with modern learning facilities. His Highness listened to an explanation of the educational process, the key teaching methods adopted, and their role in enhancing the orphans’ knowledge and skills.
Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed also visited the sewing institute, which provides opportunities for mothers of orphans to practise and develop their sewing skills and to produce a range of garments and textiles to support their household income and help ensure a decent standard of living for their families. His Highness received a briefing on the institute’s role in enhancing the mothers’ sewing skills and in helping bring their products to market.
The orphanage also features an electric-powered well to provide clean water for the orphans, as well as commercial shops to support local products and generate sustainable sources of income. The facility also includes a restaurant and administrative offices.
At the conclusion of his visit, Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed posed for commemorative group photographs with the orphans and their mothers, who expressed their happiness at the orphanage's opening and their deep gratitude to the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah for inaugurating the facility.