Al Jalila’s Child Fund Raises AED 50 Million at Suhoor Event

Al Jalila Foundation hosted its annual charity Suhoor event, An Evening of Hope, raising an extraordinary AED 50 million for The Child Fund. The event, dedicated to supporting children’s healthcare initiatives, showcased the UAE’s unwavering commitment to philanthropy and medical care. With these funds, the foundation will expand access to life-saving treatments for young patients in need.

The prestigious gathering was attended by key dignitaries, business leaders, philanthropists, and community members. Among them was H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors and Founding Chairman of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Trustees. His presence reinforced the significance of collective action in addressing healthcare challenges for children.

A Night of Generosity and Commitment

Held at the One&Only One Zabeel, the charity Suhoor was a true testament to the power of community giving. The event highlighted the importance of philanthropy in ensuring accessible healthcare, particularly for children suffering from severe medical conditions.

In his speech, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum emphasized the UAE’s deeply rooted culture of generosity. He noted how the UAE’s leadership and people have consistently supported charitable initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of vulnerable groups. His remarks inspired attendees to contribute to the cause, knowing their donations would directly impact young lives.

Al Jalila Foundation’s Dedication to Children’s Healthcare

As a leading healthcare initiative under Dubai Health, Al Jalila Foundation has played a crucial role in advancing medical research and innovation. The Child Fund, one of its most impactful programs, focuses on:

• Providing specialized medical care for critically ill children.
• Funding life-saving surgeries and advanced treatments.
• Supporting pediatric research to develop cutting-edge medical solutions.

With the AED 50 million raised, the foundation is set to expand its healthcare programs, ensuring more children receive the urgent medical attention they require.

The Hosts Behind the Success

The event was co-hosted by Majid Jafar, CEO of Crescent Petroleum, and his wife Lynn Barghout Jafar. Both have been passionate advocates for children’s healthcare and played a pivotal role in organizing the successful evening.

Majid Jafar spoke about the importance of collective action in transforming children’s lives. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community. Lynn Jafar echoed his sentiments, emphasizing how deeply moving it was to witness such generosity.

Their leadership in the event helped drive a remarkable outpouring of donations that will directly benefit countless children in need.

The Hope Paddle Raise: A Defining Moment

A key highlight of the evening was the Hope Paddle Raise, led by renowned presenter Tom Urquhart. This interactive segment encouraged attendees to make direct contributions toward patient care programs and transformational projects for children.

In a display of exceptional generosity, Majid and Lynn Jafar, along with Innovo Group and Apparel Group, pledged to match the first AED 20 million raised. This significant commitment set the stage for an evening of unprecedented giving, ensuring a tangible impact on children’s healthcare.

Inspiring Contributions from Leading Organizations

Several prominent organizations and individuals stepped forward with notable donations. Among them were:

• Innovo Group
• Apparel Group
• Omniyat
• UPL
• Downtown Ventures

Their contributions, along with numerous anonymous donations, will fund critical healthcare services, including:

• Specialized treatments for children with life-threatening conditions.

• Advanced medical procedures tailored to pediatric care.

• Groundbreaking research initiatives to improve children’s healthcare outcomes.

The Impact of Giving: A Message from Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg

Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation, expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming generosity displayed during the event. She highlighted how The Child Fund has already changed the lives of thousands of children by providing access to world-class medical care.

“With this additional AED 50 million,” she stated, “we can expand our reach and help even more children facing serious health challenges. The kindness and support of our donors ensure that no child is left without the care they need.”

Strengthening the UAE’s Vision for Community Giving

The event’s success aligns with the UAE’s national initiative, “Year of Community”, which promotes social responsibility and collaborative efforts to enhance societal well-being. The spirit of unity and philanthropy witnessed throughout the evening reflects the UAE’s core values of compassion and generosity.

The funds raised will directly support:

• Access to innovative pediatric treatments
• Specialized surgeries for critically ill children
• Cutting-edge research into childhood diseases

By investing in pediatric healthcare advancements, Al Jalila Foundation is shaping a brighter, healthier future for children across the UAE.

Looking Ahead: A Lifeline for Vulnerable Children

With continuous support from philanthropists, businesses, and community leaders, The Child Fund remains committed to transforming children’s lives through quality medical care. The success of this charity Suhoor has laid the groundwork for future initiatives, ensuring that:

• Every child receives life-saving medical attention.
• Groundbreaking research continues to improve pediatric healthcare.
• The UAE remains a global leader in humanitarian efforts.

A Future of Hope and Healing

Al Jalila Foundation’s unwavering mission is to provide critical healthcare solutions for children in need. With each donation, the foundation brings hope to families facing unimaginable challenges.

By supporting initiatives like The Child Fund, donors are not only saving lives but also contributing to the UAE’s legacy of compassion and medical excellence.

As the evening concluded, one message was clear: When a community unites for a cause, extraordinary things happen. The generosity displayed during An Evening of Hope has set a new benchmark for philanthropy, proving that every contribution makes a difference in shaping a healthier, happier future for children.