UAE marks International Day of Charity with a focus on sustainable giving

The UAE is marking the International Day of Charity with a message that giving should do more than answer an immediate crisis. It should also build lasting opportunities for people and communities.

Humanitarian and development initiatives highlighted this year combine responses to hunger, crises and disasters with investment in education, healthcare, water, empowerment and capacity-building. The approach reflects a move toward sustainable giving, while continuing to address urgent needs.

Among the initiatives is the Edge of Life campaign, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE's vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai. The campaign seeks to save five million children worldwide from dying of hunger.

The occasion is presented as a reflection of the deeply rooted culture of giving in Emirati society and of the development of the country's charitable and humanitarian work.