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ICO Launches AED28 Million Summer Campaign to Empower Communities

ICO Launches AED28 Million Summer Campaign to Empower Communities
  • PublishedMay 8, 2025

The International Charity Organisation (ICO) has officially announced the launch of its ambitious 2025 summer campaign, allocating a substantial Dhs28 million toward a wide array of charitable projects. This initiative underscores ICO’s steadfast commitment to humanitarian aid, aiming to implement dozens of carefully crafted programmes both within the United Arab Emirates and abroad. These efforts will provide essential support to underprivileged families, orphans, and fragile communities particularly vulnerable during the summer months.

As one of the most respected charitable organisations in the region, the ICO continues to spearhead social impact initiatives that align with the UAE’s broader humanitarian vision. The 2025 summer campaign represents a strategic continuation of the ICO’s year-round charitable work, targeting regions where help is urgently needed, and making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands.

A Multifaceted Approach to Summer Humanitarian Efforts

According to Dr. Khalid Abdul Wahab Al Khaja, Secretary-General of the International Charity Organisation, the campaign is a vital addition to the organisation’s ongoing initiatives. The 2025 summer campaign builds on a year of dedicated humanitarian programming and is specifically tailored to combat the challenges faced by vulnerable groups during the scorching summer season.

This year’s campaign will include several key initiatives: distribution of electrical appliances to support families in coping with extreme temperatures, the drilling and maintenance of wells to provide access to clean water, water delivery via tankers to remote or underserved areas, and the provision of drinking water to both labourers and worshippers. These services reflect the ICO’s adaptive strategy, responding to urgent needs with impactful, locally relevant solutions.

These targeted efforts go beyond short-term aid. By providing sustainable resources like clean water and functional household utilities, the ICO ensures that the communities it supports can maintain their dignity and improve their quality of life, even during the harshest times of the year.

Philanthropic Support and Community Solidarity

Dr. Al Khaja expressed deep appreciation for the benefactors whose contributions make the campaign possible. The generous support of individual and institutional donors empowers the ICO to scale its operations and deliver meaningful impact where it is most needed. Their donations do not merely fund projects; they fuel transformation and offer hope to the underserved.

Equally essential are the ICO’s charitable partners, including various humanitarian institutions, fieldwork teams, and community contributors. Dr. Al Khaja acknowledged their collective efforts in amplifying the reach and effectiveness of the campaign. This strong network of collaboration is instrumental in bringing aid to places that may otherwise remain neglected.

The campaign’s success depends on more than just funding. It thrives on the shared commitment of people who believe in collective good, who stand in solidarity with communities living on the margins, and who consistently offer their time, expertise, and resources to support ICO’s mission.

Following a Legacy of Giving: Insights from the Ramadan Campaign

The ICO’s summer campaign comes on the heels of a highly successful 2025 Ramadan initiative. This previous campaign provided crucial insight into the scope and efficiency of ICO’s operational model, as it was able to carry out extensive outreach across 23 countries with a combined charitable project value of Dhs165 million.

The Ramadan campaign achieved major milestones. One of the most impactful achievements was the distribution of 315,000 Iftar meals to individuals in extremely impoverished regions. These meals reached people in areas where food insecurity is not just a concern but a daily reality. In addition to that, 22,000 comprehensive food parcels were delivered across more than 450 disadvantaged villages, highlighting the ICO’s ability to execute operations at scale and in diverse environments.

Within the UAE, the ICO continued to make a significant difference. The organisation distributed 300,000 Iftar meals to low-income families and individuals. It also provided 3,500 Ramadan food baskets to households requiring extra support and facilitated the distribution of 80,000 Fitra (Zakat Al-Fitr) contributions, helping families meet their end-of-Ramadan obligations with dignity.

These figures reflect the ICO’s robust infrastructure, precise logistics planning, and strong partnerships. They also serve as a testament to the public’s trust in the organisation’s ability to transform donations into meaningful impact, which continues into the summer initiative.

Expanding Beyond Food Aid: Sustainable and Spiritual Contributions

The ICO’s efforts go far beyond food relief. One of the standout features of its humanitarian strategy is its holistic approach to community development. During the 2025 Ramadan campaign, the organisation funded the construction of 258 mosques, offering communities not just a place of worship but a social and spiritual gathering space that promotes unity and well-being.

Equally significant was the ICO’s investment in clean water access. The organisation supported the drilling of 1,000 water wells in areas severely affected by water scarcity. These wells are vital lifelines, often becoming the main sources of potable water for entire communities.

Another cornerstone of ICO’s charitable work is its unwavering support for orphans. During Ramadan, the ICO provided aid to 60,000 orphans. This included direct financial assistance, access to education, healthcare services, and shelter. The continuity of this support is crucial, particularly in conflict zones or post-disaster regions, where children are among the most at risk.

These ongoing efforts are not seasonal but represent a long-term investment in the health, resilience, and empowerment of disadvantaged populations. They embody the ICO’s philosophy of building communities from the ground up through compassion, foresight, and collaborative effort.

A Humanitarian Vision Aligned with National and Global Goals

The International Charity Organisation’s 2025 summer campaign reflects the UAE’s broader vision of becoming a global hub for philanthropy and sustainable development. With every initiative, the ICO reaffirms its role as an essential part of the UAE’s national strategy for international aid and humanitarian leadership.

The campaign also aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean water and sanitation, zero hunger, good health and well-being, and reducing inequalities. By focusing on both immediate relief and structural improvements, the ICO ensures that its work contributes to long-term community resilience.

Furthermore, the ICO’s campaigns inspire civic responsibility among Emiratis and residents alike. They encourage participation in acts of kindness and generosity, embedding a culture of volunteerism and social contribution into the national identity.

Commitment to Transparent, Accountable Humanitarian Aid

A hallmark of ICO’s operations is its commitment to transparency and accountability. All funds raised are meticulously accounted for, with clear reporting on how and where resources are allocated. This level of oversight not only enhances donor confidence but also sets a standard for excellence in humanitarian service.

The organisation has established strong mechanisms for project monitoring and impact assessment. It ensures that aid reaches its intended recipients promptly and that all initiatives are executed in compliance with international humanitarian standards.

ICO’s transparency practices have also fostered partnerships with regional and international NGOs, enabling collaborative responses to crises and pooling resources for larger-scale impact. The result is an ecosystem of trust and efficiency, where every stakeholder—be it donor, partner, or recipient—plays a meaningful role.

Building a Resilient Future Through Humanitarian Innovation

The ICO continues to adopt innovative approaches to humanitarian aid. The organisation is increasingly integrating digital tools and data analytics to identify community needs, monitor project progress, and ensure efficient delivery. It is also exploring renewable energy solutions and climate-resilient infrastructure for future projects.

This innovative edge allows the ICO to not only respond to present needs but also anticipate future challenges. It ensures that every campaign, including the 2025 summer initiative, leaves a legacy of hope, sustainability, and empowerment.

The ICO’s 2025 summer campaign stands as a beacon of humanitarian ambition, uniting strategic planning, philanthropic generosity, and a deep sense of social responsibility in its mission to uplift those most in need.

Written By
Vaishali Mundra