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UAE launches Mother of the Nation Endowment to support orphaned children
It ensures tuition, healthcare and living costs for orphaned children, in the Year of Family
- PUBLISHED: Wed 18 Feb 2026, 6:26 PM
The UAE is stepping up to support orphans with an ambitious new initiative launching on Wednesday across the country. The Endowments and Minors’ Funds Authority – Awqaf Abu Dhabi announced the Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans initiative — a programme designed to build a lasting future for children who don’t have anyone to care for them.
The endowment, which begins on February 18, will establish a sustainable funding source to support orphan care, helping them to secure a more stable future and improved quality of life for beneficiaries. The initiative also seeks to promote endowment as a tool for community development, strengthening social solidarity, and encouraging support for those in need across the UAE.
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Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the initiative will encourage people to contribute to an endowment — a fund where the money is invested, and the returns are used to support charitable causes. In this case, the returns will go towards orphan care. By doing this, single donations can turn into ongoing support for many years to come.
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Legacy of giving
The campaign draws its name and inspiration from Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. For decades, Emiratis have known her by a simpler title — Mother of the Nation.
Now, that motherly care will be extended to orphaned children. The initiative builds on the legacy of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who made humanitarianism a national principle and championed sustainable giving, rooted in tolerance, generosity, and solidarity. It is being rolled out during the Year of Family, reinforcing the message that in the UAE, family isn't limited by blood but by care.
The initiative aims to deliver its ambitious goals through a series of family-oriented community activities in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, featuring cultural, educational and recreational activities. Proceeds from the events, alongside sponsorship contributions, will be directed to the endowment, supporting both awareness-building and fundraising efforts.
The income generated from the endowment will help cover important needs for orphaned children, including school tuition and supplies, healthcare and medication, living expenses, and seasonal needs. The aim is to provide well-rounded and continuous support.
Awqaf Abu Dhabi regularly launches initiatives that align with national priorities. One of its previous campaigns, called Life Endowment raised nearly Dh1 billion in just four weeks, with support from more than 200,000 donors. It helped several people without the financial means to do so be able to access the necessary treatment for chronic diseases.
