Dubai's Edge of Life Campaign Raises Over AED 1.14 Billion to Combat Global Child Hunger
A monumental fundraising initiative in Dubai has successfully generated more than AED 1.14 billion in support of the Edge of Life campaign, a global humanitarian effort launched during Ramadan by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This ambitious campaign aims to raise at least AED 1 billion to help rescue five million children from hunger across the globe, uniting international philanthropic organizations, prominent business leaders, and individual donors in a powerful display of solidarity.
Charity Auction of Special Numbers Raises Over AED 91 Million
The total amount raised includes over AED 1.049 billion in pledges and contributions, complemented by AED 91.405 million generated through the Most Noble Number charity auction held in Dubai. This auction, along with the pledges, was announced during a Suhoor event organized by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) at the Armani Dubai Hotel in Burj Khalifa.
The charity auction featured 29 exclusive vehicle plate numbers and premium mobile numbers, attracting vigorous bidding from participants. The auction proceeds were entirely directed towards the Edge of Life campaign, with a detailed breakdown as follows:
- AED 81.5 million raised from RTA plate numbers
- AED 1.905 million raised from e& premium mobile numbers
- AED 8 million raised from du premium mobile numbers
Notably, the highest winning bid was AED 37 million for plate number DD 6, followed by other high-value plates such as DD 16 at AED 9 million and DD 99 at AED 8.9 million. Premium mobile numbers also saw significant bids, including AED 500,000 for e& number 0500000012 and AED 4.5 million for du number 0580000000.
Global Philanthropic Pledges Exceed AED 1 Billion
During the Suhoor event, major international philanthropic organizations announced pledges worth $276.36 million (approximately AED 1.014 billion) to bolster the campaign's mission of combating childhood hunger and malnutrition. Key pledges included:
- $100 million (AED 367 million) from the Aga Khan Foundation
- $50 million (AED 184 million) each from the Gates Foundation, EdelGive Foundation, and Piramal Foundation
- $20 million (AED 73 million) from Tata Trusts Foundation
- $5 million (AED 18 million) from the Aliko Dangote Foundation
- $1.36 million (AED 5 million) from Dalio Philanthropies
In addition to these institutional pledges, individual donors contributed AED 35.816 million during the event. Notable contributions included AED 10 million from Badr Jafar, Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Business and Philanthropy, and AED 5 million each from several business leaders such as Patrick Chalhoub of Chalhoub Group and Mahdi Amjad of OMNIYAT Group.
Global Effort to Combat Childhood Hunger
The Edge of Life campaign is being implemented in partnership with leading humanitarian organizations, including UNICEF, Save the Children, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), and Action Against Hunger. The initiative focuses on delivering nutrition support and protecting vulnerable children from the devastating impacts of hunger and food shortages.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of MBRGI, emphasized that the campaign has sparked a powerful global response since its launch. He highlighted that the strong participation from institutions, business leaders, and individuals underscores the campaign's importance as a humanitarian initiative dedicated to tackling childhood hunger and severe malnutrition in disadvantaged communities.
Al Gergawi noted that the Most Noble Number charity auction reflects the UAE community's deep-rooted values of compassion and solidarity, as well as its commitment to supporting vulnerable populations worldwide. He added that the pledges from international philanthropic organizations demonstrate a strong awareness of global challenges in addressing childhood hunger and recognition of the UAE's efforts to protect children from the serious consequences of food shortages.
Multiple Channels Open for Donations
The Edge of Life campaign continues to welcome donations from institutions and individuals through several accessible channels. Contributions can be made via:
- The campaign's official website: www.edgeoflife.ae
- A dedicated call center at 800 4999
- Emirates Islamic Bank using IBAN: AE940340003708472909222
- SMS donations by sending the word "LIFE" to designated numbers on du and e& networks for amounts ranging from AED 10 to AED 500
- Additional options through the DubaiNow app, YallaGive.com, and Dubai's community contributions platform Jood (Jood.ae)
This comprehensive fundraising effort not only highlights Dubai's leadership in global humanitarian causes but also sets a precedent for collaborative action against one of the world's most pressing issues: child hunger. The success of the Edge of Life campaign serves as a testament to the power of collective generosity and the enduring impact of strategic philanthropic initiatives.
