A photo of Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum taken in 1979. ARCHIVE

Often described as the silent force behind Dubai's progress, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum has played a vital role in shaping the city's family values and social development. Marking Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's Accession Day on Saturday (January 4), the "Thank You Sheikha Hind" campaign celebrates her contributions to society. Her initiatives, ranging from family support programs to charitable campaigns, reflect her commitment to bettering lives. The Dubai Weddings program is among her notable achievements. In 2024 alone, it facilitated 344 weddings, promoting family stability while reducing financial burdens. Sheikha Hind's sponsorship of mass weddings further underscores her dedication to fostering cohesive families. Her contributions extend to the UAE Food Bank, which has distributed over 95 million meals since its inception, and campaigns like the 1 Billion Meals, launched during Ramadan 2021. These initiatives have cemented her role as a humanitarian leader. Sheikha Hind also champions Quranic literacy, supporting competitions and launching Dubai Holy Quran Radio. Her involvement in such initiatives reflects her dedication to preserving Islamic values. In the words of Sheikh Mohammed: "Sheikha Hind embodies compassion, generosity, and goodness. She is the heartbeat of our family and society."

Sheikha Hind’s transformative impact on Dubai and beyond

“Sheikha Hind is my steadfast partner and the anchor of my life. Her unwavering support and dedication have strengthened our family and touched the lives of countless individuals,” Sheikh Mohammed said. Through her diverse initiatives, Sheikha Hind has championed Emirati family values, strengthened social cohesion, and spearheaded efforts to empower women and youth. Among her most impactful projects is the Dubai Weddings programme, launched in 2024 to promote family cohesion and alleviate financial burdens for Emirati couples. By the end of the year, the programme had facilitated 344 weddings—accounting for 28.3 percent of all citizen marriages in Dubai—and contributed to a 10.1 percent year-on-year increase in such unions. Complementing this initiative, the "Start It Right" guidance programme supported over 1,000 individuals, while 208 beneficiaries received financial aid. Sheikha Hind's dedication to humanitarian work is evident in her sponsorship of mass weddings, which reduce marriage expenses and foster stability among Emirati families. Her contributions have earned her accolades such as the Arab First Lady Award and the Distinguished Quran Personality Award, cementing her legacy as a humanitarian leader. Sheikha Hind’s involvement in educational and religious initiatives has been transformative. She sponsors the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Holy Quran Competition, a flagship event of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award. Additionally, she oversees the Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Holy Quran Competition for school students, promoting Islamic values among the younger generation. She has also supported the Dubai Holy Quran Radio and facilitated the distribution of hundreds of thousands of Quran copies globally. Her leadership extends to women's empowerment through sports, as exemplified by the Sheikha Hind Women's Sports Tournament. This initiative encourages Emirati women to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle and promotes gender equality in sports. Sheikha Hind's philanthropy is not confined to the UAE. She played a pivotal role in the 2020 "10 Million Meals" campaign, which surpassed its target and delivered over 15.3 million meals to those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Similarly, the "1 Billion Meals" campaign launched during Ramadan in 2021 provided food aid across 50 countries, marking one of the largest food donation initiatives in the region. Under her guidance, the UAE Food Bank has distributed more than 95 million meals since its inception in 2017. This initiative, launched under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, collects surplus food from hotels, restaurants, and farms for redistribution to those in need. Sheikha Hind’s unwavering commitment to family values, social welfare, and humanitarian causes continues to inspire people in Dubai and beyond, setting a benchmark for leadership and generosity. ICA/PIA/Expat Media
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