Giving in Numbers
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Al Jalila Foundation has announced an AED 10 million Zakat donation from Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), reinforcing the Foundation’s efforts to ensure timely access to care while also accelerating learning and discovery programs.
The donation reflects DIB’s commitment to supporting meaningful community initiatives that create lasting impact and elevate quality of life. The donation will further Al Jalila Foundation’s vital role in enabling Dubai Health’s vision to advance health for humanity through the integration of Care, Learning, Discovery, and Giving.
The donation was announced during a visit by Nawaf Al Rayssi, Head of Community Support Services at DIB, to Dubai Hospital, where he was received by Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, Dr. Omar Al Marzouqi, Executive Director of Dubai Hospital. The visit included the unveiling of a plaque bearing Dubai Islamic Bank’s logo on The Giving Wall at Dubai Hospital, in recognition of its support for Al Jalila Foundation’s programs and initiatives, and its commitment to advancing community health and well-being.
Nawaf Al Rayssi said: "DIB continues to play a vital role in supporting humanitarian and development-focused initiatives that enhance quality of life for various societal segments. In line with this commitment and social responsibility, DIB directs its Zakat Funds to eligible beneficiaries through initiatives that create meaningful and lasting outcomes. Our ongoing partnership with Al Jalila Foundation reflects that commitment, helping expand access to care, strengthen wellbeing, and support medical progress for those who need it most across the UAE."
Dr. Amer Al Zarooni said: "Philanthropy is a fundamental pillar in supporting the healthcare sector and ensuring its sustainability. It also reflects the deeply rooted values of solidarity that define the UAE community and help facilitate access to care. We extend our sincere appreciation to Dubai Islamic Bank for its generous donation, which supports the Foundation’s mission, and advances quality of life.”
Dr. Omar Al Marzouqi said: "This contribution from Dubai Islamic Bank will further enhance Dubai Hospital’s ability to deliver advanced, patient-centered care guided by leading international standards and best clinical practices. It will also support the continued development of our facilities and services, enabling us to better meet the evolving needs of the community, elevate the quality of care, and improve patient experience."
Commitment to Making a Difference
Through its programs and initiatives, Al Jalila Foundation continues to transform lives by supporting patient treatment, learning, and discovery, while providing sustainable channels for giving that enable individuals and institutions to make a meaningful difference and reinforce a culture of social responsibility and community contribution across the UAE.
Dubai Health has inaugurated the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital. Established through Al Jalila Foundation’s The Hope Fund, the unit was developed with the generous support of Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Saleh, whose name is inscribed on the hospital’s Giving Wall.
The inauguration was attended by His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU); Dr. Abdulla Al Khayat, CEO Emeritus of Al Jalila Children’s Hospital; Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation; Dr. Tarek Fathey, Chief Clinical Officer, and Dr. Mohamed Al Awadhi, Executive Director of the Women and Children’s Campus.
The Pediatric Cardiology service at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital performs around 200 pediatric cardiac surgeries annually, in addition to more than 300 cardiac catheterizations procedures, reinforcing Dubai Health’s ability to deliver comprehensive, specialized care for various cardiac conditions.
The new unit reflects Dubai Health’s “Children First” commitment by advancing pediatric cardiac care. Aligned with a patient- and family-centered model, the unit also enables parents to remain close to their children, with comfortable beds provided beside each patient bed and a dedicated family area offering a welcoming space for relatives.
Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Saleh said: “Supporting children’s health is an investment in the wellbeing of future generations. We are honored to contribute to this unit, as community partnerships play an important role in expanding specialized services and ensuring patients receive the care they need. We hope this initiative will support Al Jalila Children’s Hospital in continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young patients and their families.”
Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, said: “At Al Jalila Foundation, we continue to work closely with our partners to launch and implement programs and initiatives that make a meaningful difference.
These efforts contribute to supporting the healthcare ecosystem and expanding access to advanced care, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for our patients and the wider community.”
Delivering advanced, multidisciplinary care
Dr. Mohamed Al Awadhi, said: “The addition of the ten-bed Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit further strengthens the continuum of cardiac care available to children at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital. By bringing together specialized expertise and advanced clinical capabilities, we are able to provide comprehensive care for children while supporting families throughout their journey."
The Hope Fund
Launched by Al Jalila Foundation, The Hope Fund is a flagship initiative that supports the development of Dubai Health facilities and expands access to advanced services that meet the evolving needs of the community. Through the contributions of partners, the Fund enables sustainable impact that strengthens Dubai’s healthcare system and improves patient outcomes.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, launched ‘The Cancer Fund’ of Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors.
His Highness also unveiled ‘The Giving Wall’ at Dubai Hospital, which bears the names of donors who have supported its treatment programmes, in recognition of their generosity.
The Cancer Fund aims to provide vital support for cancer treatment, helping ease the financial burden on patients and ensuring they can continue their care throughout recovery.
The launch of The Cancer Fund took place during a ceremony hosted by Al Jalila Foundation at Dubai Hospital, where His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum honoured partners, donors, and supporters of the hospital’s treatment programmes.
The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of HH the Dubai Ruler's Court; Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of Dubai Health Board of Directors, and Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors; His Excellency Dr. Alawi AlSheikh-Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority; His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU); and other senior officials.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed stated: “Giving is a deeply rooted value in the UAE instilled by our Founding Fathers and our leadership continues to build on this legacy through initiatives that place people’s health and wellbeing at the heart of national priorities.”
His Highness praised the individuals and institutions whose generosity strengthens community philanthropic efforts, noting that the strong engagement generated by such programmes reflects a shared national commitment to supporting people and enhancing quality of life.
Strategic step
Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg said: “The Cancer Fund marks a strategic step towards building a sustainable support system for patients.”
She added: “The Fund also reflects a forward-looking model of collaboration, with community and institutional giving playing a central role in strengthening our healthcare system and expanding its impact on patients’ lives. We believe that sustainable philanthropy is essential to building a more cohesive society, where collective efforts come together to shape a better future for all.”
Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Dedicating this year’s Ramadan campaign at Al Jalila Foundation to The Cancer Fund will expand support pathways available to cancer patients. It reflects the role of community giving in helping patients access timely treatment, in line with Dubai Health’s ‘Patient First’ promise.”
He added: “The generosity of donors enabled us to provide care to 650 cancer patients over the past year, with contributions exceeding AED43 million through the ‘A’awen’ programme.
Al Jalila Foundation encourages individuals and organisations to support the Ramadan 2026 campaign through its donation channels, emphasising that every contribution makes a difference for patients and their families by helping them access treatment.
A delegation from the Dubai Sports Council visited Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, to learn about its sports philanthropy initiatives and discuss areas of collaboration.
The delegation was led by His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, accompanied by His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, and other officials. They were welcomed by His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences; Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences; Dr. Mohamed Al Awadhi, Executive Director of the Dubai Health Women and Children’s Campus; Khalifa Baqer, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Health, and Shamma Alrafi, Director of Fundraising and Community Engagement Programs at Al Jalila Foundation.
During the visit, His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul learned about Al Jalila Foundation’s sports philanthropy initiatives and met with the Foundation’s “Champions of Hope” team, a group of athletes who leverage sports for humanitarian giving.
To date, the philanthropic sports initiatives have raised AED 15 million through more than 450 community and partner-led activities, with 100% of proceeds directly supporting Al Jalila Foundation’s programs.
His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, said: “The Dubai Sports Council is committed to supporting all national efforts and charitable initiatives that aim to enhance the wellbeing, health, and active lifestyles of our community. We see this commitment embodied in the ‘Champions of Hope’ initiative, an inspiring model that harnesses the power of sport and the positive influence of athletes to spread values of generosity and compassion across the community.
His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif said: “We are honored to welcome His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul and the accompanying delegation, whose visit reflects our commitment to Advancing Health for Humanity.”
He added: “We deeply appreciate the Dubai Sports Council and the athletes, whose dedication and spirit inspire a culture of giving and create a meaningful impact on the community.”
His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul met the “Champions of Hope” team, which included several inspiring athletes: Yahya Al Ghassani, UAE National Football Team player and founder of YA10 Academy; Ghani Souleymane, endurance athlete and Guinness World Record holder for the T100x100 challenge; Mustafa Kaan Yildiz, swimmer and junior coach at Heroes of Hope; Coach Dan Cordero, endurance cyclist and founder of LifeSpark Cycling; Keisha Pais, open-water swimmer who completed the 15-kilometer Bonifacio Strait swim from Italy to France; Ahmed El-Shennawy, member of the inaugural Team Al Jalila Kilimanjaro charity climb and leader of the Himalayan Charity Challenge; Essam Adams, the founder of “Run 4 A Purpose” running club; and Aarti Shah, an Athlete of Determination and member of Heroes of Hope.
The visit also featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with YA10 Academy, a sports academy founded by professional Emirati footballer Yahya Al Ghassani that supports emerging football talent.
Yahya Al Ghassani said: “Through this partnership, YA10 Academy and Al Jalila Foundation will unite sports with philanthropy through athlete engagement and community challenges designed to raise awareness and funds for patient care. It embeds a culture of giving into the academy’s calendar, transforming every training session, match, and milestone into an opportunity for fans to support life-changing healthcare programs”.
Shamma Alrafi said: “For over a decade, we have seen how sports can go beyond the game to drive real change. By combining athletic spirit with charitable initiatives, we can support
patients in need and inspire the community, showing how Dubai leads in using sports as a force for good.”