Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced the launch of a global humanitarian campaign ahead of Ramadan aimed at supporting vulnerable children suffering from hunger and malnutrition around the world.

In a message shared on social media, he said the UAE will welcome the holy month with a charitable initiative “from the people of the UAE to the world,” reflecting the spirit of compassion and generosity that defines Ramadan. He highlighted the scale of the crisis, noting that more than 118 million children experienced malnutrition last year, with an estimated 2.6 million deaths caused by hunger.

Emphasizing that ignoring such suffering is not consistent with the nation’s values, Sheikh Mohammed said the campaign—launched in partnership with international organizations—seeks to raise at least one billion dirhams locally and globally. The initiative aims to help save five million children who are “on the edge of life.”

He concluded by praying for the protection of the UAE and calling for unity in performing the finest charitable acts during Ramadan, particularly feeding the hungry among the poor and needy.