Dubai Charity Reaches 117M People With Education Access

Over 18 years, Dubai Cares has turned the generosity of one city into life-changing education access for millions of children in some of the world's most remote communities.

Since its founding in 2007 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the organization has delivered 264 programs reaching 117 million individuals across 60 developing countries. The numbers tell a remarkable story of sustained impact.

Through partnerships with 143 organizations, Dubai Cares has trained more than 5 million teachers to improve classroom quality. The charity also provided nutritious meals to nearly 5 million school children and equipped 788,467 young people with vocational skills for employment.

Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, the organization's CEO, explains that the mission began with a simple directive: reach as many children as possible in underserved communities and ensure they stay in school. That vision expanded into programs designed to integrate into national education systems and create lasting change beyond single program cycles.

The organization's approach goes beyond classrooms. Dubai Cares protected over 61 million children through school-based health programs and provided 4.4 million children with access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

In crisis zones, the charity ensured more than 4.6 million children maintained education access during emergencies. Gender equality remained central, with over 18 million girls and women benefiting from targeted interventions.

The Ripple Effect

What started as one city's charitable vision now influences education systems across the Global South. By embedding programs within national frameworks, Dubai Cares creates change that outlasts individual projects and inspires replication in neighboring regions.

The organization's work in early childhood education reached 7.1 million young children, setting foundations for lifelong learning. Digital connectivity programs brought 779,988 individuals online, opening doors to modern educational resources.

As Dubai Cares approaches its 20th anniversary in 2027, the focus remains on scaling long-term outcomes. The organization continues aligning with UAE national priorities while breaking down barriers that keep children out of school.

From remote villages to crisis zones, the message is clear: quality education can reach anyone when communities commit to making it happen.