In a landmark humanitarian initiative, the United Arab Emirates has established the Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans, creating a sustainable financial framework to support vulnerable children nationwide. Launched on February 18, 2026, under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this program represents a transformative approach to social welfare through strategic endowment management.
The endowment system operates by investing contributed capital and utilizing generated returns to cover comprehensive orphan care expenses, including educational tuition, healthcare services, living costs, and seasonal necessities. This innovative financial model ensures perpetual support rather than temporary assistance, converting single donations into long-term community investment.
Inspired by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, honored as the ‘Mother of the Nation’ for her decades of advocacy for women and children, the initiative embodies the humanitarian principles established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The timing coincides strategically with the UAE’s ‘Year of Family,’ emphasizing that familial bonds in Emirati society transcend biological connections to encompass collective community responsibility.
The implementation strategy involves curated family-oriented events across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, combining cultural, educational, and recreational activities to simultaneously raise awareness and generate funding. Sponsorship contributions and event proceeds will bolster the endowment’s financial foundation.
This initiative builds upon the remarkable success of Awqaf Abu Dhabi’s previous ‘Life Endowment’ campaign, which secured nearly Dh1 billion within four weeks through 200,000+ donors to support chronic disease treatments. The authority consistently develops programs aligning with national priorities while promoting endowment models as instruments for social development and strengthened community solidarity.