Al Jalila Foundation Celebrates Donors for Their Contributions to Healthcare Innovation and Community Wellbeing
Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, Al Jalila Foundation hosted a special ceremony to recognize the philanthropic partners whose generosity has played a pivotal role in supporting and advancing healthcare in Dubai and the UAE.
The event took place at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, gathering over 70 distinguished donors alongside key figures including Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation, Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, and Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum praised the donors’ enduring support, highlighting their alignment with the UAE’s deep-rooted humanitarian values.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated supporters whose contributions have significantly advanced Al Jalila Foundation’s initiatives and healthcare programs,” said His Highness. “This remarkable display of generosity aligns perfectly with the values of the UAE Year of the Community and illustrates the spirit of solidarity and cohesion that has always defined our society. Through these collaborative efforts, we continue to build a healthcare ecosystem that prioritizes compassion, innovation and accessibility for all.”
The donors, in turn, expressed their heartfelt thanks to His Highness for his continued support since the Foundation’s establishment in 2013, which has been instrumental in positioning Al Jalila Foundation as a leader in transformative healthcare initiatives.
Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg reflected on the Foundation’s journey, acknowledging the critical role of the UAE’s philanthropic community.
“The success of Al Jalila Foundation reflects the unwavering commitment of our nation’s philanthropists to their humanitarian mission,” she said. “Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Al Jalila Foundation has become a model for sustainable giving. Over the past decade, the foundation has achieved significant milestones, and today we continue our journey with a forward-looking vision to shape the future of healthcare through philanthropy.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Amer Al Zarooni emphasized the transformative power of community contributions.
“Every dirham donated has brought new hope to its recipients,” he stated. “2024 was a remarkable year for healthcare philanthropy. Al Jalila Foundation raised AED 177.65 million – an increase of 30% compared to the previous year. These funds enabled us to provide essential medical support to 4,728 patients across the UAE, a 15% rise from 2023. The Foundation remains committed to achieving lasting health impact by advancing medical research, expanding charitable programs and supporting medical education.”
Empowering Lives Through Philanthropic Programs
Al Jalila Foundation runs a wide array of initiatives that blend healthcare access, scientific innovation, and community wellbeing. These include:
- A’awen, which provides funding for life-saving heart procedures
- The Child Fund, supporting treatment for critically ill children
- Wellness on Wheels, a mobile unit offering diagnostics and health screenings
- Ta’alouf, designed to uplift children of determination and their families
- Majlis Al Amal, a support space for women battling cancer
- Scholarship Program, fostering the next generation of Emirati healthcare professionals
- Seed Grant Program, nurturing promising scientific research
- Waqf (Endowment), sustaining long-term health-focused projects
Driving Forward Medical Research
Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to scientific discovery, Al Jalila Foundation invested AED 1.83 million in 2024 to support 13 medical scholarships and fund 12 groundbreaking research projects.
Moreover, in a notable international collaboration, the Foundation partnered with the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), contributing AED 1.07 million to 12 joint research efforts focusing on infectious and allergic diseases—further reinforcing its role in global medical advancement.
The ceremony concluded on an inspiring note, with beneficiaries sharing powerful testimonials on how programs such as Ta’alouf, A’awen, The Child Fund, and Hope Fund have positively transformed their lives—underscoring the real-world impact of the Foundation’s work and its donor community.
