What Dubai Cares does

Dubai Cares is a UAE-based global philanthropic organization established in 2007 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, operating as part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. The organization focuses on advancing access to inclusive, equitable, and quality education in developing countries as a pathway to breaking the cycle of poverty and contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4). Since inception, Dubai Cares has reached over 117 million individuals across 60 developing countries through a portfolio of education programs spanning early childhood development, primary and secondary schooling, technical and vocational training, youth employment, school health and nutrition, teacher training, and education in emergencies. Delivery occurs through a network of 143 program partners including UN agencies (UNICEF, WFP, UNESCO, World Bank), international NGOs (Save the Children, BRAC, Room to Read, CAMFED, IRC), and local organizations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Pacific Islands.

The organization's core offerings are organized across four pillars: Education Programs (research-backed interventions), Research (evidence generation informing global policy), Advocacy (including the RewirEd Summit, the Dubai Cares Framework for Global Education Transformation, and global declarations on early childhood education and connectivity), and Emergency Response (education in crisis settings covering Haiti, Indonesia, Lebanon, Nepal, Palestine, Syria, and others). Complementary community-facing programs include Volunteer Emirates and Volunteer Globally, the annual Walk for Education, Taste of Giving (an F&B sector school feeding partnership that has delivered 5 million school meals), Students for Students, Adopt a School, Adopt a Library, and Feed a Child Build a Kitchen. Donations are accepted via online tiers ranging from AED 50 (school hygiene) to AED 880 (long-term crisis education), with a dedicated crowdfunding portal enabling third-party fundraising campaigns.

Dubai Cares is a registered NGO under IACAD and formally associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications. It does not generate commercial revenue; funding comes from individual donations, corporate sponsorships (partners include ALEC Holdings, Aldar, Dubai Duty Free Foundation, Al Tamimi & Company, ITP Media Group, JCDecaux), and strategic institutional partnerships. The organization is governed by a Board chaired by H.E. Reem Al Hashimy (Minister of State for International Cooperation) with H.E. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg serving as CEO and Vice-Chairman since 2009. There is no proprietary technology platform underpinning operations; digital presence is limited to payment processing (PayPal, Mpay), Google Maps integration on the contact page, and the crowdfunding portal.

Name

Dubai Cares

Legal name

Dubai Cares

Website

https://dubaicares.ae

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Dubai Cares is a UAE-based global philanthropic organization that delivers education programs in developing countries, reaching 117 million individuals across 60 countries through 143 UN, NGO, and local partners under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Global Education Philanthropy

NAICS

Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

International Development & Donor-Funded Education Programs (EDADALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

NGO/Nonprofit Education Programs & Service Delivery (EDADALAC), Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus & Resilience Programming (BPADAEAK), International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH), International & Comparative Education Policy Organizations (EDADADAL)

Keywords

• Global education programs
• Education philanthropy
• Education in emergencies
• School feeding programs
• Education advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Dubai

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Dubai Cares receives donations from individuals through its website, with various donation tiers supporting different educational interventions such as school hygiene, crisis education, school meals, teacher training, early childhood development, and girls' education.
2. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships: Corporate partners sponsor initiatives such as Volunteer Emirates, Walk for Education, and Taste of Giving. Partners include companies like ALEC Holdings, Aldar, Dubai Duty Free Foundation, and others that provide financial support and in-kind contributions.
3. Strategic Institutional Partnerships: Long-term partnerships with institutional donors such as Dubai Duty Free Foundation (AED 1.5 million annually for Schools2030) and other organizations that provide sustained funding for specific programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Dubai Cares designs, funds, and delivers education programs in 60 developing countries through a network of 143 implementation partners, spanning early childhood development, primary and secondary education, technical/vocational training, school health and nutrition, and education in emergencies. The organization generates evidence-based research, runs global advocacy platforms such as the RewirEd Summit, and operates volunteer, donation, sponsorship, and crowdfunding channels to engage the UAE community and global supporters in its mission.

Product overview

Dubai Cares is a UAE-based global philanthropy organization established in 2007 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, operating as part of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. Rather than a single tech product, Dubai Cares offers a comprehensive portfolio of interconnected programs and initiatives focused on education transformation in developing countries. The core offerings include Education Programs (research-backed interventions spanning early childhood to youth employment), Research (evidence generation to inform strategies), Advocacy (global platforms including RewirEd Summit and the Framework for Global Education Transformation), and Emergency Response (education in crisis settings). Complementary service offerings include Volunteer Emirates and Volunteer Globally (community engagement programs), a Donations platform (one-time and recurring giving), Fundraising Platform (crowdfunding portal), and initiative-specific programs such as Taste of Giving (school feeding through F&B partnerships), Walk for Education, Students for Students, Adopt a School, Adopt a Library, and Feed a Child Build a Kitchen. The organization partners with 143 implementation partners across 60 developing countries, reaching over 117 million individuals globally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• RewirEd Summit: Dubai Cares' flagship platform advocating for transformed education systems as the core enabler for sustainable development.
• Dubai Cares Framework for Global Education Transformation
• Volunteer Emirates
• Volunteer Globally
• Walk for Education
• Taste of Giving
• Students for Students
• Adopt a School
• Adopt a Library
• Feed A Child, Build A Kitchen
• Global Education Solutions Accelerator (GESA)
• Dignified Storytelling

Products and services

• Education Programs

Quantifiable outcome

• Reached over 117 million individuals across 60 developing countries since 2007
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Dubai Duty Free FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 February 2026Strategic partnership renewed for three additional years (2026-2028) with annual contribution of AED 1.5 million toward Schools2030 global education programme. The partnership, which began in 2017, supports the Aga Khan Foundation-implemented initiative that places teacher agency at the centre of education transformation across multiple countries. The MoU signing was attended by senior executives from both organizations.
• Aga Khan FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for Schools2030 global education programme. Works with Dubai Cares on programs placing teacher agency at the center of education transformation. One of 143 program partners supporting Dubai Cares' education initiatives.
• UNICEFcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUN agency partner implementing multiple education programs. Supports early childhood development initiatives, education in emergencies, and global advocacy efforts including the Dubai Declaration on Early Childhood Education.
• World Food Programme (WFP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram partner supporting school feeding programs. Collaborates with Dubai Cares on initiatives to provide nutritious school meals to children in low-income settings.
• Save the ChildrencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational NGO implementing education programs including emergency response initiatives in Indonesia, Nepal, and other countries affected by natural disasters.
• BRACcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLarge international NGO and program partner working across multiple countries to implement education programs supported by Dubai Cares.
• Room to ReadcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal organization focused on literacy and gender equality in education. Implements programs supported by Dubai Cares in developing countries.
• The Luminos FundcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation nonprofit implementing accelerated learning programs. Partnered with Dubai Cares to provide second-chance education opportunities.
• CAMFED InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCampaign for Female Education - NGO supporting girls' education and empowerment in Africa. Implements girls' education programs in partnership with Dubai Cares.
• Educate!coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial enterprise providing youth skills and livelihood training. Partner implementing entrepreneurship and skills development programs.
• Norwegian Refugee CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHumanitarian organization implementing accelerated education programs for refugees. Partner for education in emergencies initiatives.
• Plan InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChildren's rights organization implementing programs focused on girls' education and youth empowerment in developing countries.
• World Bank (IBRD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner contributing to evidence generation and policy research on education systems and skills development.
• UNESCOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUN educational organization collaborating on global advocacy including the RewirEd Global Declaration on Connectivity for Education and global education policy.
• The International Rescue Committee (IRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHumanitarian organization implementing education in emergencies programs for displaced children and crisis-affected populations.
• British Asian TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based charity implementing education programs in Asia. Partner for programs in South Asia region.
• CARE Inc. USAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHumanitarian organization implementing emergency response programs including earthquake relief in Haiti.
• Emirates Red CrescentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUAE humanitarian organization implementing emergency response and education programs in affected regions.
• Ban Ki-moon FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation supporting global education initiatives and advocacy efforts championed by former UN Secretary-General.
• ALEC HoldingsflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner and exclusive sponsor of Volunteer Emirates school refurbishment initiatives. Leads community-driven school refurbishment activities in Abu Dhabi.
• Aldar PropertiesflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting UAE community mobilization initiatives including Back to School campaigns and UAE Stands with Lebanon humanitarian relief efforts.
• Al Tamimi & CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partnership for supporting education initiatives and community engagement programs.
• ITP Media GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner providing coverage and visibility for Taste of Giving campaign and other Dubai Cares initiatives.
• JCDecauxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor advertising company providing marketing support for awareness campaigns.
• The Giving MovementminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFashion brand contributing to charitable initiatives supporting education causes.
• Brookings InstitutioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThink tank providing research and policy analysis on education systems and development.
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partner supporting evidence generation on education and health interventions.
• World Economic ForumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal organization collaborating on Closing the Skills Gap program and future of work research. Partner for skills development initiatives across 15 national economies.
• Learning Planet InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner implementing E-Cubed initiatives on education transformation and adolescent outcomes in Nigeria.
• Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch institute conducting impact evaluation of accelerated education programs for refugees in Uganda.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Open Society Foundations: Large global grantmaking foundation supporting education access, Roma education, and early childhood programs across multiple regions. Overlaps on thematic education grantmaking but with a human rights framing distinct from Dubai Cares' SDG4-aligned approach.
• Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF): One of the world's largest philanthropic foundations with a significant education portfolio (early childhood, foundational learning, school systems) across Africa and Asia. Comparable mission and developing-country focus, but operates at materially greater scale and budget than Dubai Cares.
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: One of the largest private foundations globally, with substantial investments in global education (network of schools, teacher effectiveness, college-ready initiatives). Overlaps with Dubai Cares on developing-country education but with vastly larger endowment and US-rooted funding base.
• UNICEF Education Section: UN agency delivering large-scale education programs in developing countries and a direct Dubai Cares program partner. Highly comparable in target beneficiaries and program themes, but operates at orders-of-magnitude larger scale with assessed UN funding rather than philanthropic donations.

Direct peers

• Theirworld: Global NGO and advocacy organization campaigning for education funding and policy reform, including the #WriteTheWrong campaign and youth-led initiatives. Highly comparable advocacy platform and target donor base to Dubai Cares' RewirEd Summit work.
• Global Partnership for Education (GPE): The leading multilateral fund dedicated exclusively to education in developing countries, mobilizing billions for partner-country education systems. Closely comparable to Dubai Cares in mandate (global education development), funding model (donor contributions channeled through partners), and beneficiary base (children in low-income countries).
• Education Cannot Wait (ECW): UN-hosted global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises, on whose High-Level Steering Group Dubai Cares' CEO sits. Near-identical thematic focus (EiE, crisis-affected children, accelerated learning) and similar multi-donor funding architecture.
• Aga Khan Foundation: Implements Dubai Cares' flagship Schools2030 programme and is itself a major international development foundation running education programs across Asia and Africa. Closely comparable as a foundation doing both grantmaking and direct implementation in low-income education contexts.

Others

• Dubai Foundation for Women and Children: UAE-registered charitable organization under IACAD addressing social welfare for women and children. Comparable as a Dubai-registered, IACAD-licensed NGO with similar regulatory and funding environment, but with a domestic UAE social-services mandate rather than international education.

Regional players

• Qatar Foundation: Gulf-based foundation established by the Qatari ruling family with major education, research, and development programs. Comparable as a wealthy Gulf-state philanthropic foundation but with a stronger domestic higher-education and research focus rather than Dubai Cares' international development remit.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/dubaicares
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCmst6MTbynvmy-uzvHjrojw
• Facebookfacebook.com/DubaiCares
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dubaicares
• Instagraminstagram.com/dubaicares/?hl=en
• TikToktiktok.com/@dubaicares

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Dubai Cares