Dubai: The UAE is providing comprehensive care for 200,000 orphans across the world through various humanitarian initiatives.

This number constitutes three per cent of the total number of orphans who receive care globally.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was briefed on the outcomes of the UAE initiative for orphans and minors by the initiative’s higher committee. Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, was present. The initiative was launched last month during Ramadan.

He issued a host of directives that aim to enhance comprehensive care for this category in order to strengthen their role and make them effective members of UAE society.

“The UAE has set a strong foundation to help other peoples across the world, a fact that was clearly manifested in the UAE being ranked first globally in terms of providing foreign aid compared to its national income. This signifies the humanitarian approach that is deeply rooted in the UAE community and its various organisations, which sponsor now more than 200,000 orphans worldwide,” said Shaikh Mohammad.

He stressed that the UAE has a comprehensive welfare system for orphans and minors and leading local practices in this field that can be emulated internationally, and this welfare process must be bolstered significantly. “Being ranked first has become a culture in the UAE, not at the leadership level only, but also at the level of all segments of society. What concerns me is that the UAE becomes first on the social level as it strives to be first in economy, security, health, infrastructure and other fields,” added Shaikh Mohammad.

He thanked the higher committee and its team, as well as bodies and individuals involved in activating this initiative, which would undoubtedly contribute to providing a dignified life to this segment. Shaikh Mohammad was updated on the first issue of the initiative’s guide, which was developed by a group of researchers and specialists in welfare of orphans and minors. The guide contains the best practices to meet the social needs of this segment.

The community is essential in implementing the UAE’s model in orphan welfare. The initiative works at three levels: The first addresses the importance of ensuring that the social needs of orphans and minors are met, including creating family-like relations and a social support network of friends.

The second level highlights the need for orphans to be appreciated, and focuses on enhancing their self-confidence, self-esteem and achievements.

The third level addresses the need for orphans to benefit from self-empowerment through innovation, problem-solving and solutions, strengthening their spirit and morale.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the initiative’s higher committee, and other officials were present.