Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Monday lauded the achievements and volunteer work of the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives (MBRGI) as part of the national efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed when countries across the world saw the pandemic as a challenge, MBRGI and the UAE saw an opportunity to improve the lives of all community members.

Sheikh Hamdan, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees of MBRGI, said the foundation extended efforts from the UAE to other countries in need by providing necessary resources, expertise and capabilities. The foundation's assistance enabled international organisations and agencies to deliver crucial food and medical aid to vulnerable segments across the world.

He also hailed the efforts made by MBRGI's volunteers and teams who provided innovative ideas to ensure proactive response during the initial outbreak of the pandemic. Their efforts helped the foundation in providing necessary aid to millions in need in various countries worldwide, despite the challenges posed by global lockdown and movement restrictions.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of MBRGI, dubbed the year 2020 as exceptional in terms of the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that the challenges were tackled by numerous innovative strategies that generated hope among the community. 

MBRGI is a major pillar of the UAE’s humanitarian, relief, social and humanitarian work, following the country’s vision to institutionalise philanthropy, Al Gergawi noted.