UAE charity drive sets new Guinness World Record after raising Dh3.3bn for orphans
Ramadan initiative turns community generosity into sustainable long-term orphan support
ABU DHABI – The Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans campaign, launched by the Endowments and Minors’ Funds Authority, Awqaf Abu Dhabi, has entered the Guinness World Records after raising Dh3.3 billion in just one month.
The campaign secured the title for the Most Money Raised for Charity by an Annuity Pledge in One Month, marking a landmark achievement for humanitarian fundraising in the UAE. The milestone was celebrated during a ceremony attended by senior officials, partners and supporters.
The record follows the campaign's remarkable success during Ramadan, when it became one of the UAE's largest humanitarian endowment initiatives dedicated to supporting orphans through sustainable funding rather than one-off donations.
New Guinness World Record
Abdulhamid Mohamed Saeed, Chairman of the Endowments and Minors’ Funds Authority, Awqaf Abu Dhabi, said the achievement reflects the UAE leadership's vision of promoting a culture of sustainable giving while strengthening social responsibility across the country.
He said the Guinness World Records title represents an important milestone in the UAE's humanitarian and endowment journey, adding that investing in people ultimately strengthens society as a whole. He also described the record as the result of a collective national effort that demonstrated the values of unity and shared responsibility.
According to Saeed, the significance of the achievement extends beyond breaking a world record, highlighting increasing confidence in endowment, or waqf, initiatives as sustainable development models capable of turning charitable contributions into lasting social impact.
Shared responsibility
Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Secretary General of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, said the achievement reflects the values of the UAE Year of Family and reinforces the country's belief that caring for orphans is a responsibility shared by the entire community.
He added that sustainable initiatives of this kind strengthen social cohesion while encouraging a lasting culture of generosity that can benefit future generations.
Long-term support
Fahad Abdulqader Al Qassim, Director General of the Endowments and Minors’ Funds Authority, Awqaf Abu Dhabi, said the campaign's success demonstrates the strong participation of individuals and institutions in supporting a national humanitarian initiative.
He noted that every contribution, regardless of its value, helped achieve the global milestone while supporting efforts to build a brighter future for orphans.
The Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans campaign was launched to establish a sustainable endowment fund dedicated to orphan care. Returns generated by the fund will be directed towards education, healthcare and improving the quality of life of orphans.