In an important legal update, his His Majesty Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktaum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the ruler of Dubai have released a decree, first known as “Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktaum charity and humanitarian installation”.“This change not only updates the name of the foundation, but also confirms its broad mandate in charitable and human functions for both the United Arab Emirates and international levels.
Naming and legal framework
Under the decree number (36) of 2025, the new title formally replaces the former name established by the 1997 decree number (13) and subsequent modifications. Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the service of public interest. The decree especially eliminates the previous designation “Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktaum Charity and Human Establishment” and replaces it with a streamlined “Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktaum Dharmarth Pratishthan.,Despite this change, the foundation continues to function under a clear legal framework. It is subject to the rules of Dubai for non-profit and public interest institutions, including compliance with laws and policies:
- Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activity Department in Dubai
- Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai
This includes following many important legislative laws and rules:
- Law number of 2017 regulating non-profit organizations (12)
- Decree number controlling 2015 funds (9)
- Decree number of 2022 (9) The public interest institutions established by the ruler of Dubai
- 2013 Executive Council resolution number (26) belongs to charitable associations, Quran Memorization Center and Islamic Institutions
The new decree is the original 1997 decree and its modifications, but maintains the validity of the existing decisions from the earlier decree until they struggle with new provisions. Additionally, the decree number (49) of 2023 (49) is fully effective related to the resolution number (29) of 2023 on the status of the highest chairman and the improvement of the trustees of 2023.
Scope and activities of charitable establishment
Under the leadership of His Majesty Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktaum and its supreme president, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktaum is operated in close coordination with relevant government bodies and international organizations. Its mission covers a wide range of charitable and human initiatives in various fields, in the United Arab Emirates and abroad.The main activities of the foundation include:
- Developing and supporting projects and centers in areas such as development, culture, social welfare, education, health and religion.
- Implementing health programs on the prevention of the disease, facilitating access to drugs, and providing financial assistance to patients in needs.
- Providing assistance to students, teachers and educational institutions at the domestic and international level.
- Helping families with limited income or facing immediate financial difficulties to promote social stability.
- Organizing and participating in relief efforts, providing assistance to persons affected by disasters and crisis within both United Arab Emirates and abroad.
This diverse portfolio highlights the commitment of the foundation to a comprehensive approach to improve social welfare and development results.
Enforcement and effectiveness
The decree on its publication in the official gazette immediately became effective. It establishes a clear legal and operating structure that aligns the foundation activities with the regulatory environment of Dubai for charitable and human organizations, ensuring transparency, accountability and governance to suit state policies.Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktaum Charitable establishment now moves forward under this renewed identity, strengthens its commitment to impressive charitable work and continues the heritage established in the last decades.
