Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced Rashid Villages, a global humanitarian program created to honor the memory of his brother Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed and reinforce his commitment to supporting vulnerable communities, according to a statement issued on Friday.
Philanthropic initiative
Launched on the tenth anniversary of Sheikh Rashid’s death, the initiative will establish integrated model villages that offer housing, education, healthcare and economic opportunities for disadvantaged families.
The first development will begin in Kenya and is expected to support around 1,700 people through fully furnished homes, modern infrastructure and shared community facilities.
Through Rashid Villages, Sheikh Hamdan said the goal is to change lives, restore dignity and demonstrate that generosity is a core value in Dubai.
The villages are planned as self sustaining communities powered by renewable energy. The Kenya location will feature a mosque, a multi purpose hall, a football field and a sports academy, along with paved roads, fire safety systems, surveillance cameras and solar lighting.
Endowment based retail shops will help stimulate small business activity and provide residents with a stable source of income.
Learning and wellness
Education plays a central role in the initiative. Each village will include a school serving more than 300 students, along with a digital learning program developed in partnership with the Digital School, which operates under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.
Vocational training and micro enterprise support will be provided to help families gain skills and resources needed to build sustainable livelihoods.
Healthcare services will be delivered through a dedicated center offering preventive and therapeutic care. Clean water systems, sanitation facilities and local first aid training will support improved public health and community resilience.
Expanding humanitarian reach
Supported by the Dubai government, Rashid Villages will introduce one new site every year, creating what officials describe as a sustainable transition from dependency to empowerment. The approach aligns with the UAE’s broader humanitarian efforts, including reconstruction of schools, hospitals and housing across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Project planners say the long term objective is to blend charitable support with development by combining education, healthcare, housing and commerce within a single framework. By embedding sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy solutions, the initiative aims to ensure each community continues to thrive long after its launch.
