Gates Foundation pledges $50m to UAE’s Edge of Life campaign
Ramadan initiative targets vulnerable communities affected by disasters and conflict
DUBAI – The Gates Foundation has pledged $50 million (over Dh183.6 million) to the Edge of Life campaign launched during Ramadan to help rescue five million children from hunger.
The initiative aims to raise at least Dh1 billion to support efforts to combat childhood hunger worldwide. Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the campaign seeks to mobilise global support to address one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian challenges.
The contribution forms part of a broader wave of community engagement across the UAE during Ramadan, as institutions, philanthropists and individuals rally behind the humanitarian drive.
Edge of Life
The Edge of Life campaign operates under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). It is organised in partnership with leading international humanitarian organisations, including UNICEF, Save the Children, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), and Action Against Hunger.
These partnerships are designed to expand the reach of aid programmes and ensure that support reaches children most at risk of malnutrition and hunger in vulnerable regions around the world.
The initiative places particular emphasis on communities facing severe hardship due to natural disasters, armed conflicts and economic instability. Such conditions often leave children among the most exposed to food insecurity and life-threatening malnutrition.
Child hunger
The campaign highlights the scale and urgency of the global hunger crisis affecting young children. Statistics show that five children under the age of five die every minute worldwide due to hunger and malnutrition.
Through targeted programmes and partnerships, the initiative aims to protect millions of children from the devastating effects of hunger. The campaign also seeks to raise awareness and inspire collective humanitarian action to address food insecurity.
By bringing together governments, humanitarian organisations and donors, the initiative is designed to deliver sustainable assistance that supports nutrition, health and long-term wellbeing for vulnerable children.
How to donate
The Edge of Life campaign continues to welcome contributions from institutions and individuals through several channels.
Donations can be made via the campaign’s official website at www.edgeoflife.ae or through a dedicated toll-free call centre on 800 4999.
Contributions are also accepted through bank transfers in UAE dirhams to the campaign’s account with Emirates Islamic Bank (IBAN: AE940340003708472909222).
Supporters can donate through SMS by sending the word “LIFE” to numbers provided by du and e&. Donors can contribute Dh10 by sending to 1034, Dh50 to 1035, Dh100 to 1036, and Dh500 to 1038.
Additional donation options include the DubaiNow app, YallaGive.com under the ‘Donations’ tab, and Dubai’s community contributions platform Jood (Jood.ae).