Abu Dhabi: The UAE has launched the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Foundation, a new organisation aimed at supporting charitable and developmental initiatives, Al Khaleej newspaper reported.
The Foundation, established by Federal Decree No. 126 of 2024, will serve as an umbrella organisation for several key charitable institutions, further strengthening the UAE’s role in global philanthropy.
The federal decree outlines the Foundation’s mandate as a humanitarian, charitable, and developmental entity with full legal, financial, and administrative independence.
The Foundation will operate under the Presidential Court, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with the option to establish branches locally or internationally.
Additional entities may also be added at the discretion of the Chairman of the Presidential Court.
Mission
The Foundation’s mission is to honour the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, by continuing the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian, charitable, and developmental work.
The Foundation aims to define strategic priorities, channel efforts toward impactful local and global causes, and support the UAE’s broad humanitarian strategy. It also seeks to promote charitable initiatives, launch programs, and enhance the UAE’s international image as a leader in humanitarian efforts.
Tasks
The Federal Decree, which took effect on October 1, defines seven key functions for the foundation, including setting the general policies of affiliated entities, overseeing their performance, fostering regional and global partnerships, and enhancing administrative and investment operations. It also aims to develop a strategic communication plan that aligns the humanitarian and charitable efforts of affiliated entities with the vision of the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy.
Governance
The Foundation will be overseen by a Board of Trustees, consisting of a chairperson and at least five other members. The board’s composition, as well as the members’ remuneration, will be determined by federal decree upon the recommendation of the Chairman of the Presidential Court. The board will have a three-year renewable term, unless a decree is issued for its reformation.
The Decree also assigns 13 responsibilities to the Board of Trustees, including approving the foundation’s general policy, work plans, and management strategies. The board will also oversee financial and administrative regulations, establish companies or institutions, and report on progress to the Presidential Court.
The Board’s Chairperson will have five responsibilities, including forming boards of trustees for the affiliated entities, approving strategic directions, and approving budgets and final accounts.
The Foundation will be led by a Secretary-General, appointed by federal decree upon the recommendation of the Chairman of the Presidential Court. The Secretary-General will be assisted by advisors and experts and will oversee the foundation’s operations. Fifteen responsibilities have been assigned to the Secretary-General, such as proposing work policies, implementing board decisions, managing the foundation’s financial activities, and representing the foundation in legal matters.
Resources
The Foundation’s financial resources will come from annual allocations from the Presidential Court, movable and immovable assets, donations, grants, and other contributions consistent with the foundation’s mission. It is also permitted to invest its funds or the funds of affiliated entities in coordination with them.
The decree specifies that in areas not explicitly covered, all applicable laws and regulations in Abu Dhabi will apply to the foundation and its staff.
