Sheikh Mohammed launches AED1 billion Ramadan 2026 campaign to save five million children/image: X

As Ramadan approaches, Dubai’s Ruler has placed the fight against child hunger at the centre of the UAE’s humanitarian efforts. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Friday announced the launch of the “Edge of Life” campaign, an initiative aimed at saving five million children under the age of five from death caused by malnutrition and hunger.In a message shared on social media, Sheikh Mohammed described the coming of Ramadan as a generous and cherished month, adding that it has become an annual tradition for the UAE to launch a humanitarian campaign that extends support from the people of the UAE to communities around the world. He stressed that the holy month represents an opportunity to reinforce values of compassion and collective responsibility.The campaign comes against a stark global backdrop. Sheikh Mohammed noted that more than 118 million children worldwide suffered from malnutrition last year. Of those, an estimated 2.6 million children died due to hunger. He said such figures represent a human tragedy that cannot be ignored, adding that it is not in the UAE’s nature or values to witness suffering of this scale and remain inactive.The “Edge of Life” initiative will be implemented in partnership with a number of international organisations. Its primary goal is to raise at least AED1 billion both locally and internationally. The funds will be directed towards programmes designed to prevent hunger-related deaths among vulnerable children who are described as living on the edge of survival.In concluding his announcement, Sheikh Mohammed offered prayers for the continued protection of the UAE and its people. He also reiterated the spirit of giving that defines Ramadan, highlighting the importance of feeding the hungry and supporting the poor and needy as among the most meaningful acts of charity.The campaign positions child nutrition and survival as a central focus of the UAE’s humanitarian outreach this Ramadan, with the ambition of turning charitable giving into tangible, life-saving impact