Sheikh Hamdan Launches 'Rashid Villages' Honoring Late Brother
Global humanitarian initiative 'Rashid Villages' launches to empower vulnerable communities with education, healthcare, and sustainable opportunities.
In a heartfelt tribute to his late brother Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, has launched a new global humanitarian initiative called ‘Rashid Villages.’
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The project, announced on the 10th anniversary of Sheikh Rashid’s passing, will create model villages worldwide that provide housing, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for vulnerable communities.
The first Rashid Village will be built in Kenya, spanning more than 7 hectares. It will feature sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and key community facilities including schools, a mosque, a health center, and commercial outlets designed to support local livelihoods.
Sheikh Hamdan described Sheikh Rashid as “a quiet champion of humanity,” adding that his values continue to inspire projects that bring hope, dignity, and opportunity to those most in need.
Each year, the initiative plans to establish a new model village in a developing region, reflecting Dubai’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian leadership.
Education at the Core
Education will be a central pillar of ‘Rashid Villages.’ In partnership with the Digital School, part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the project will introduce the Rashid Education Project. This program will deliver quality education through a digital system that enhances learning and bridges gaps in underserved areas.
A modern school accommodating over 320 students will also be built in Kenya’s Rashid Village, ensuring children gain the skills and opportunities to secure brighter futures.
Empowerment and Healthcare
Beyond education, the villages will offer vocational training, micro-enterprise opportunities, and development programs to help families generate sustainable income.
Healthcare will also be prioritized, with a medical center, sanitation systems, and fresh water facilities forming part of the infrastructure. Preventive medical services will be delivered in collaboration with global humanitarian partners, while local capacity-building efforts will train community members in first aid and preventive care.
The initiative reflects Sheikh Hamdan’s vision of empowering disadvantaged communities while honoring Sheikh Rashid’s enduring legacy of compassion, generosity, and humanitarian service.