Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Honor 46 “UAE Pioneers”

Mediaoffice.ae: Vice President and Prime Minster of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan decorated 46 Emirati individuals and entities among the leading philanthropists with medals of honour, to mark the 46th National Day at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi. Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, also attended the ceremony held at St Regis hotel in Saadiyat Island in the capital.

Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE is a nation of philanthropy and giving, which reflect the nation's humanitarian approach since its establishment. Sheikh Mohammed said that The UAE, under the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa, has followed Sheikh Zayed’s legacy in providing support to the needy worldwide.

The organising committee of the ‘UAE Pioneers’ initiative said it has received more than 800 nominations for pioneering Emirati personalities in philanthropy and giving, in line with the ongoing Year of Giving 2017 announced by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid honored Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi for his humanitarian and philanthropy efforts and initiatives. Since 2011, , Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces launched series of initiatives that aim to preserve human health and wellbeing. In early November, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, launched the Reaching the Last Mile Fund to raise US$100 million with the aim of eradicating, eliminating, and controlling preventable diseases that hinder the health and economic prospects of the world’s poorest people. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed committed US$20 million to the Fund, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will contribute up to US$20 million. The Fund will be managed by the END Fund, a philanthropic investment platform focused on tackling the five most common neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid for this recognition and said that there is no better feeling than spreading hope and good, as well as sharing joy with others.

Forty-six Emirati philanthropists were feted in the UAE Pioneers Award, the list also includes Ruler of Ajman His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi for his initiatives and charitable works; Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, for her humanitarian initiatives; Khalifa Bin Zayed Foundation; 82-year-old volunteer Fatima Ali Ibrahim, the UAE's most senior volunteer.

The list also included 20 members of the Al Junaibi family for setting up the good companion team, a charity initiative; also, Abdul Jalil Al Fahim received medal for making a Dh360 million endowment for health centre in Fujairah; meanwhile, Sharjah received honour for humanitarian services.