Zayed Humanitarian Day is a national occasion to honour the values of solidarity, cohesion and giving, established by our late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The day commemorates a long-lasting humanitarian legacy that defined the UAE’s journey of extending a helping hand to those in need, wherever they may be, while instilling a culture of generosity as an unwavering national value among the people. The act of giving has become a genuine gesture of compassion and an important value in the lives of Emirati citizens.

As we observe 2026 as the Year of Family, this year’s occasion holds particular significance in highlighting the role of families as a source of nurturing the values of humanitarian work. Family is the first place from which the values of goodness and giving are imparted to children from an early age itself, building future generations that are committed to humanitarian responsibility, cooperation and compassion, understand their social role, and are capable of carrying forward the humanitarian journey with dedication and steadfastness.

In the UAE, the Emirati family is the foundation from which humanitarian efforts begin. Every charitable act starts at home and expands to society, becoming part of a national identity founded on generosity and solidarity and dedicated to supporting those in need and easing their suffering locally, regionally and internationally.

The UAE’s vision of building a cohesive and interconnected society capable of tackling challenges and continuing its humanitarian journey has been reinforced through the integration of family efforts with national initiatives. This approach is rooted in Sheikh Zayed’s enduring legacy of giving and his humanitarian values, which positioned the UAE as a distinguished model of humanitarian work globally.”