A Message from the Chairman

International reports reveal that tens of millions of people in the Arab World suffer from illiteracy and unemployment and lack the proper access to knowledge. Reports also talk of the crises facing Arab educational systems whose outcomes do not meet the needs of their societies. With a population growth of more than 2.5%, and a wide gap in knowledge and technology, the future of the region remains subject to different possibilities.

Taking these facts into account, the establishment of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, a personal initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, is of great significance to the region.

The Foundation has been tasked with contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and the advancement of solutions to problems facing sustainable development in the Arab societies. The mission and objectives of the Foundation are linked to the realities of the Arab World with both its human and geographical realms. While the Foundation deals with the rich Arab cultural identity and heritage, it concentrates on means of creating a bright future for millions of Arabs.

These values are derived from the conviction expressed by the initiative leader, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who said: "We are proud of our past and our present and we face the future with unflagging determination."

His Highness wants this Foundation to work both on the Arab and global levels.  On the Arab side, the Foundation seeks to awaken the potentials of young generations to be able to create solutions stemming from the needs of the region. In this respect, the Foundation adopts various programmes aimed at developing education in the Arab World and contributing to the establishment of a knowledge society.

On the external level, he wants the Foundation to build bridges for knowledge and cultural exchange. He also wants it to be a platform for active dialogue among civilizations, an embodiment of the spirit of openness that has long characterized Arab traditions.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation is open to your suggestions, ideas and remarks in order to enhance its journey to renaissance.