H.H. Sheikh Hamdan launches 'Rashid Villages' honouring late brother

In a powerful tribute to his late brother, Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, has launched a major global humanitarian initiative.

Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Sheikh Rashid’s passing, the 'Rashid Villages' project aims to build model villages that provide vulnerable communities around the world with housing, healthcare, education and economic opportunities, carrying forward Sheikh Rashid’s legacy of compassion and generosity.

The first Rashid Village will be built in Kenya, spanning more than 7 hectares and designed with sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy and essential community facilities — including schools, a mosque, a health centre, and commercial outlets to support local livelihoods.

The initiative plans to build a new model village each year, creating lasting impact across developing regions and reflecting Dubai’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian leadership.

Sheikh Hamdan described his brother as a quiet champion of humanity, whose values continue to inspire projects that bring hope, dignity and opportunity to those in need.

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'Rashid Villages'’ also prioritise education as a foundation for change.

In collaboration with the Digital School, part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the project will introduce the 'Rashid Education Project', a specialised programme designed to provide children with quality schooling through an integrated digital system that both enhances learning and bridges educational gaps.

Complementing this digital approach, the village will include a modern school accommodating more than 320 students, ensuring that future generations not only secure their right to education but also gain the knowledge and opportunities needed to build brighter futures.

The initiative will also offer development programmes aimed at empowering families through vocational training and micro-enterprise projects that provide additional income, strengthen economic and social stability and reduce dependence on aid.

This will be achieved by equipping beneficiaries with the professional skills necessary to launch sustainable craft and commercial ventures, together with financial and technical support to help them start with confidence.

On the health front, the village will include a health centre offering medical and therapeutic care to residents, supported by full infrastructure including sanitation systems, overhead and underground water tanks and wells to secure continuous supplies of fresh water.

The initiative will also cooperate with reputable international humanitarian organisations to deliver preventive medical services, aiming to improve the health of children and their families and to address gaps in healthcare provision in developing areas.

'Rashid Villages' will furthermore seek to build local capacity by training community members in first aid and preventive care, thereby contributing to a safe, healthy and sustainable environment that underpins its humanitarian and development mission.