Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Mar 9: A major fundraising initiative in Dubai has generated more than AED 1.14 billion in support of the Edge of Life campaign, a global humanitarian initiative launched during Ramadan by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.

The campaign aims to raise at least AED 1 billion to help rescue five million children worldwide from hunger, bringing together leading international philanthropic organisations, business leaders and individual donors.

According to Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the total amount raised includes over AED 1.049 billion in pledges and contributions, along with AED 91.405 million generated through the Most Noble Number charity auction held in the city.

The pledges and auction proceeds were announced during a Suhoor event organised by MBRGI at the Armani Hotel Dubai located in the iconic Burj Khalifa.

The Most Noble Number charity auction featured 29 exclusive vehicle plate numbers and premium mobile numbers, drawing enthusiastic participation from bidders. The auction alone raised AED 91.405 million, with proceeds directed towards the Edge of Life campaign.

The special numbers included nine vehicle plate numbers from the Roads and Transport Authority, along with 10 premium mobile numbers each from telecom operators e& UAE and du.

Among the vehicle plates, the highest bid was AED 37 million for plate number DD 6, followed by DD 16 at AED 9 million, DD 99 at AED 8.9 million, DD 25 at AED 6.4 million, and DD 30 at AED 6.1 million. Other notable plates such as DD 100 and DD 999 each fetched AED 5.1 million.

Premium mobile numbers also attracted significant bids. The e& UAE numbers raised AED 1.905 million, while du numbers generated AED 8 million, including AED 4.5 million for number 0580000000.

International foundations pledge major support

During the Suhoor gathering, several international philanthropic organisations announced pledges totalling $276.36 million (AED 1.014 billion) to support the campaign’s goal of tackling childhood hunger and malnutrition.

• $100 million from the Aga Khan Foundation

• $50 million each from the Gates Foundation, EdelGive Foundation and Piramal Foundation

• $20 million from Tata Trusts

• $5 million from the Aliko Dangote Foundation

• $1.36 million from Dalio Philanthropies

In addition, individual donors contributed AED 35.816 million during the event.

Among the prominent contributors were AED 10 million from Badr Jafar, while Patrick Chalhoub, Mahdi Amjad, Hussain Dawood, Michael Lahyani and Abdallah Al Sheikh each donated AED 5 million.

Global partnership to fight child hunger

The Edge of Life campaign is being implemented in partnership with leading humanitarian organisations including UNICEF, Save the Children, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and Action Against Hunger.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of MBRGI, said the campaign has generated a strong global response since its launch. He noted that the participation of institutions, business leaders and individuals reflects growing awareness of the urgent need to combat childhood hunger and severe malnutrition in vulnerable communities.

He added that the Most Noble Number charity auction highlighted the UAE’s values of compassion and solidarity, as well as its commitment to humanitarian initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable populations and preserving human dignity.

The campaign continues to accept donations from institutions and individuals through multiple channels, including its website, call centre and digital platforms.