Emirates Doubles Donations to Support Vulnerable Children Worldwide
Emirates has introduced a donation matching initiative through the Emirates Airline Foundation, aimed at doubling the impact of public contributions to support vulnerable children globally. As part of its ongoing humanitarian commitment, the airline will match every donation—up to US \$10,000—made to the Foundation, significantly accelerating aid for essential services such as healthcare, education, housing, and nutrition.
The initiative strengthens the Foundation’s support for 13 grassroots NGOs operating across nine countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, the Philippines, Brazil, and the UAE. It comes at a time when the UAE is observing the Year of Community in 2025, an effort to deepen civic engagement and sustainable development across sectors.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline and Chairman of the Emirates Airline Foundation, emphasised the urgency of the initiative. “As global challenges intensify for the world’s most vulnerable people, safeguarding the fundamental needs of children and their access to food, health, housing and education has never been more vital. This is why we are scaling up our support by matching every donation made to the Emirates Airline Foundation,” he said. “Every contribution made today is a stepping stone towards a fully nourished, educated, and empowered child.”
The Emirates Airline Foundation has made it simple for people around the world to participate. Donations can be made onboard any Emirates flight using envelopes available in multiple currencies. These can be sealed and handed to cabin crew. Donations can also be made online via a secure payment portal on the Foundation’s website. Additionally, bank transfers or cheques made payable to ‘Emirates Airline Foundation’ are accepted, with full details available on the site.
Over the last two decades, the Emirates Airline Foundation has transformed the lives of thousands of children. In India, for instance, the CHES Home supports over 37 children living with HIV/AIDS, providing medical care and emotional support. The IIMPACT Girls Education Project reaches 5,000 girls in 11 Indian states, offering meaningful education and teacher training. In Sri Lanka, Prithipura Communities helps 250 people with disabilities, offering specialised care, education, and employment pathways.
In Africa, the Foundation backs initiatives such as St. Marcellin’s Children’s Village in Zimbabwe, providing comprehensive care to 56 children, and organisations like Singakwenza and Fikelela Children’s Centre in South Africa, which focus on early education and support for children with HIV/AIDS.
In Kenya, Emirates supports the Little Prince School in the Kibera slums, Alfajiri Street Kids, and scholarships at Starehe Boys’ Centre, collectively improving the lives of more than 200 children.
Support also extends to Southeast Asia and Latin America. In the Philippines, the Virlanie Foundation protects and shelters abused and neglected children. In Brazil, the Saint Rita de Cassia Orphanage and Externato São Francisco de Assis offer safe homes and holistic education for girls and children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Closer to home, in the UAE, the Foundation supports the SAFE Centre for Autism, providing tailored education and therapies for children aged 4 to 18 with complex learning needs.
Funding for these projects is driven by the generosity of Emirates customers, employees, and donors. Almost all funds raised go directly to supported projects, with administrative costs kept minimal through the efforts of employee volunteers.
The Foundation operates under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and is regulated by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in Dubai.
For more information about the Foundation’s work or to make a donation, visit: [www.emiratesairlinefoundation.org](http://www.emiratesairlinefoundation.org).
