Abu dhabi: The Make-A-Wish Foundation launched a series of impactful humanitarian initiatives and events during the first half of 2025 aimed at bringing joy to children suffering from life-threatening illnesses, while fostering a culture of giving and solidarity across the UAE community. These efforts align with the announcement by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, declaring 2025 the 'Year of the Community'.
According to Emirates News Agency, the year began with the seventh edition of the 'Make-A-Wish Run', a community sports event that brought families together in support of sick children. This was followed by a humanitarian initiative at Emirates Humanitarian City, where the foundation hosted its third event to grant the wishes of children from Gaza.
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, the foundation continued its initiatives through the tenth edition of the 'Ramadan Wishes Souq,' a charity market held in collaboration with Nation Towers. On International Childhood Cancer Day, the foundation partnered with Burjeel Medical City for a special initiative.
In March, a significant event took place on World Kidney Day, granting wishes of several children in collaboration with Sheikh Khalifa Medical City and Abu Dhabi Health Kidney Care Centre, with support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. The foundation also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Native Caf© and a cooperation protocol with Ahl Masr Hospital in Cairo to support burn victims, along with an MoU with the Royal Humanitarian Foundation in Bahrain.
One of the foundation's major events this year was the 'Qafiyah and Wishes' poetry evening, attended by Prince and Poet Abdulrahman bin Musaad Al Saud, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. The event showcased compassion, solidarity, and support for children with serious health challenges.
The foundation also signed a corporate sponsorship MoU with TAQA Group and organised the 12th edition of the 'Eid Al-Adha Wishes Souq' in collaboration with Makani Al Shamkha. Hani Al Zubaidi, CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE, expressed gratitude to all partners, supporters, volunteers, and the team, emphasizing that these initiatives are messages of hope that embody the values of the UAE in serving humanity.
