Dubai Ruler unveils region’s first endowment district for global good
Investment returns to fund charitable work in healthcare and education worldwide
DUBAI – In a visionary step towards sustainable philanthropy, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has inaugurated the Mohammed bin Rashid Endowment District – the first of its kind in the region.
The Dh4.7 billion flagship project merges modern residential, commercial, healthcare and educational facilities into a single urban destination spanning 2 million square feet. Designed to serve as a global model for sustainable giving, its returns will be channelled to support education and healthcare projects around the world, ensuring a continuous flow of funding for charitable work under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).
The initiative is supported by Azizi Developments alongside a group of investors who contributed Dh330 million.
During the launch, the Dubai Ruler reviewed detailed plans and facilities, emphasising the project’s commitment to the highest standards of sustainability, quality of life and efficiency. He noted that the Endowment District embodies a vision where endowment investments serve as lasting engines of development, multiplying the value of giving and creating meaningful, long-term impact.
أطلقنا بحمدالله ضمن مبادرات محمد بن راشد الإنسانية العالمية مشروعاً وقفياً بتكلفة تصل ل4.7 مليار درهم ..
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 30, 2025
وقفاً خيرياً إنسانياً دائماً بإذن الله تذهب عوائده لدعم مشاريع الصحة والتعليم حول العالم .
سيضم الحي الوقفي مستشفى يستوعب 90 ألف مراجع سنوياً .. وجامعة طبية ومدارس تضم… pic.twitter.com/THolBPZxUt
In his official statement, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said the district symbolises the UAE’s civilisational ethos, representing a society founded on compassion, solidarity and generosity. “Our vision,” he said, “is to make charitable work a strategic driver of sustainable development, ensuring that the good we do today continues to serve people tomorrow.”
Mohammed bin Rashid Endowment District
The Mohammed bin Rashid Endowment District, developed under the umbrella of MBRGI, will integrate world-class facilities to form a vibrant, self-sustaining community.
The master plan includes a 250-bed hospital capable of handling more than 90,000 medical cases annually, complemented by a medical college and two schools that will accommodate 5,000 students across all academic stages.
A total of 25 endowment buildings will provide over 2,000 residential units, designed to cater to various lifestyles. Together with retail outlets and service facilities, the district will become home to more than 12,000 residents and visitors daily.
Its infrastructure will feature open green spaces, a central boulevard, a mosque, and thousands of parking spaces. With its combination of comfort, sustainability and modern urban planning, the Endowment District is set to stand out as one of Dubai’s most forward-thinking community developments.
How will it drive sustainable giving?
Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of MBRGI, said the project reflects His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of redefining charitable and humanitarian work through endowment investment models that empower people and sustain development across generations.
He explained that the district would ensure a continuous stream of funding to support the healthcare sector globally, enhancing the efficiency of humanitarian work in vital fields. “This model,” he noted, “will inspire future initiatives under MBRGI and serve as a global benchmark for integrating philanthropy with investment.”
The project underscores Dubai’s leadership in adopting development-focused endowment models, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a hub for sustainable humanitarian work. It will also contribute to economic activity by generating steady revenues while directing its profits toward essential sectors that improve lives worldwide.
Who supports the initiative?
Among the key supporters is Azizi Developments, which made history with a Dh3 billion contribution to the Fathers’ Endowment campaign – the largest private-sector donation in the UAE to date.
Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Developments, expressed pride in supporting this landmark project, calling it a “milestone in the UAE’s history of charitable work” and a “living example of how real estate investment can be harnessed for global humanitarian goals.”
He said the Mohammed bin Rashid Endowment District “reflects the UAE’s humanitarian spirit and the values of generosity and solidarity that define its people.” The initiative, he added, “will ensure that education and healthcare – two of humanity’s most vital needs – receive continuous, sustainable support for years to come.”
The project launch was attended by several members of Dubai’s royal family and senior officials, including His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; and Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
When will it take shape?
While the detailed development timeline has not been disclosed, the Mohammed bin Rashid Endowment District forms part of Dubai’s long-term vision for future cities – a framework that integrates innovation, sustainability and community wellbeing.
Once complete, the district’s hospital and medical college are expected to position Dubai as a centre of medical excellence, offering cutting-edge healthcare and training opportunities for future generations of doctors and health professionals.
The inclusion of educational institutions, housing and commercial facilities within one development reflects a holistic urban model, aligning with Dubai’s broader strategy to enhance the quality of life while supporting global humanitarian causes.