Anonymous Philanthropist Donates AED35 Million to 'Edge of Life' Ramadan Campaign
In a remarkable act of generosity, an anonymous philanthropist has contributed AED35 million to the 'Edge of Life' campaign. This significant donation supports a Ramadan initiative launched to help rescue five million children from hunger worldwide. The campaign aims to raise at least AED1 billion to fund sustainable programmes that address childhood malnutrition on a global scale.
A Ramadan Initiative with a Global Mission
The 'Edge of Life' campaign was inaugurated during Ramadan by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. It seeks to mobilise large-scale funding to support long-term solutions to child hunger, moving beyond short-term relief efforts. The campaign's ambitious target is a minimum of AED1 billion, with funds being invested in sustainable programmes designed to prevent and treat malnutrition among children in vulnerable communities across the world.
A Humanitarian Priority Rooted in Vision
This initiative builds on a long-standing humanitarian vision championed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Efforts to combat hunger are viewed as a continuing moral responsibility, rather than a response to a temporary emergency. Operating under the umbrella of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the campaign has attracted participation from individuals, institutions, and businesses. This reflects the UAE community's culture of giving and its commitment to supporting humanitarian projects that serve underserved populations globally.
International Partnerships for Effective Implementation
To ensure effective implementation, the campaign is organised in partnership with several leading organisations:
- UNICEF
- Save the Children
- The Children's Investment Fund Foundation
- Action Against Hunger
These organisations provide essential expertise and operational capacity to deliver measurable impact on the ground, enhancing the campaign's ability to address child hunger effectively.
The Significance of '11.5' in Malnutrition Detection
The number 11.5 associated with the campaign refers to the mid-upper arm circumference measurement used to detect acute malnutrition in children aged between six months and five years. According to World Health Organisation guidelines, a measurement below 11.5 centimetres is among the indicators used to diagnose severe acute malnutrition. The campaign highlights this figure to underline the urgency of early detection and intervention, emphasising the critical need for timely action to save lives.
Multiple Ways to Contribute to the Cause
The campaign continues to welcome donations through seven main channels, making it accessible for a wide range of supporters:
- Contributions can be made via the official website at www.edgeoflife.ae.
- Donations are accepted through the toll-free call centre number 800 4999.
- Bank transfers in UAE dirhams can be directed to the campaign account at Emirates Islamic Bank using IBAN AE940340003708472909222.
- Donations can be sent by SMS by texting the word "LIFE" to du and e& numbers:
- 1034 to donate AED10
- 1035 for AED50
- 1036 for AED100
- 1038 for AED500
- Additional platforms include the DubaiNow app.
- Contributions can be made through YallaGive.com under the "Donations" tab.
- Donations are also accepted via Dubai's community contributions platform Jood at Jood.ae.
With significant backing already secured, including the recent AED35 million donation, the campaign continues to gather support as it works tirelessly towards its goal of protecting millions of children from hunger and malnutrition.
