Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared his thoughts on the significance of kindness and humanitarian work in his message dedicated to compassion. These reflections are presented in the second volume of his book, 'Letters: What Life Taught Me.'
The Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, as well as the Ruler of Dubai, outlined his views on themes of leadership, society, and how humanitarian efforts can help shape a more compassionate world.
Addressing those he called 'creators of good,' Sheikh Mohammed directed his message to people who spread hope, lead humanitarian efforts, and show kindness and generosity to others.
He wrote: 'To the creators of good, the spreaders of hope, the pioneers of humanitarian work, and those who show kindness and generosity to people—the closest to God—I write this message.'
He recalled an instance when a friend asked him why he launches a major public initiative every Ramadan, despite overseeing several humanitarian organizations that conduct charity work throughout the year. His answer was simple: 'I want to spread compassion throughout society.'
For Sheikh Mohammed, the goal of humanitarian work extends beyond simply providing aid or meeting immediate needs. It also lies in cultivating compassion as a sustainable value that defines people's way of life, their attitude towards each other, and their understanding of responsibilities to others.
He stated: 'Life is built on compassion. Life was created by the mercy of Allah, and civilizations are measured by the compassion in the hearts of their people.'
Furthermore, he referenced a Quranic verse describing Prophet Muhammad as a 'mercy to worlds,' emphasizing that this mercy is not limited to any single nationality, religion, or group of people. He clarified that this applies not only to Arabs, Muslims, or humans but to all forms of existence: humans, birds, animals, trees, and the universe itself.
The Ruler of Dubai emphasized that the true strength of a society lies not only in its economic progress or material achievements but also in the kindness and compassion demonstrated by its residents. He warned that the greatest threat to societies is not economic fluctuations or related difficulties, but 'hardened hearts' that have lost the capacity for mercy and goodness.
He insisted that compassion must go beyond charitable campaigns and moments of crisis, becoming a permanent part of daily life and a value passed down through generations. Kindness and mercy, he said, should be nurtured in families, taught in schools, and reflected in the broader community, becoming an integral part of the nation's mission, culture, and values.
The leader noted that compassion and giving must be woven into the fabric of society, becoming part of its civilization and humanity.
Sheikh Mohammed is known for his long-standing commitment to philanthropy and humanitarian work, implementing initiatives that operate year-round and reach communities worldwide. The breadth of these efforts is reflected in the work of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the region. MBRGI's humanitarian and development programs reach needy communities globally, from Gaza to Afghanistan.
In April, MBRGI announced that in 2025, it spent 2.3 billion dirhams on humanitarian and development programs, reaching 165 million people in 122 countries. This represents an increase of 16 million beneficiaries and four countries compared to the previous year. Healthcare received the largest share of funding, with expenditures exceeding 872 million dirhams in 2025. Humanitarian aid and disaster relief accounted for 625 million dirhams, while education and knowledge dissemination received 419 million dirhams.