Marking the tenth anniversary of Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed’s death, Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has launched a far-reaching humanitarian initiative titled Rashid Villages. The project aims to preserve his late brother’s legacy by building model villages for underserved communities globally, with the first development set in Kenya. The initiative offers a complete ecosystem of housing, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, and will expand with a new village each year.
Honouring Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed ’s humanitarian legacy
On September 19, 2025, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, announced the launch of Rashid Villages, a global humanitarian project in memory of his elder brother, Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The announcement coincided with the tenth anniversary of Sheikh Rashid’s passing. He died of a heart attack on September 19, 2015, at the age of 33. At the time of his death, Sheikh Hamdan publicly mourned the loss, describing Sheikh Rashid as “a best friend and a childhood companion.” A decade later, he continues to commemorate his brother’s life through humanitarian efforts that reflect the values Sheikh Rashid embodied.“My brother’s impact will remain alive through Dubai’s humanitarian projects and initiatives that carry hope and goodness to the world,” said Sheikh Hamdan, in remarks shared by the Dubai Media Office. He described Rashid Villages as a “lasting tribute to his profound humanitarian legacy,” and a commitment to ensuring Sheikh Rashid’s values, compassion, generosity, and responsibility, continue to touch lives far beyond Dubai.“May Allah Almighty have mercy on Rashid. He was a man whose heart was devoted to quiet acts of goodness, always extending kindness to those around him,” Sheikh Hamdan said. “Through ‘Rashid Villages’, our goal is to transform lives in a lasting way to bring back hope, provide a foundation for dignity, and reaffirm that in Dubai, generosity is not merely a value but a way of life.”
First Rashid village to rise in Kenya
The first Rashid Village will be constructed in the Republic of Kenya, spanning 72 dunums (7.2 hectares). Built around sustainability and dignity, the village is designed with a comprehensive infrastructure that supports a decent standard of living while promoting long-term self-sufficiency. The Kenya site will include:
- Fully furnished residential homes to offer stability and comfort
- A modern school accommodating more than 320 students, supported by digital learning via the Rashid Education Project
- A health centre offering therapeutic and preventive care
- A large mosque
- A multi-purpose hall with a capacity of over 500 people
- Paved roads connecting village infrastructure and supporting movement
- A football pitch and sports academy to empower youth
- Commercial outlets based on endowment principles to generate economic activity and sustainable income
These facilities will be integrated with critical systems such as:
- Fire alarm networks
- Surveillance cameras for security
- Solar-powered lighting
- Sanitation systems
- Overhead and underground water tanks and wells for uninterrupted access to clean water
This first village is expected to benefit around 1,700 individuals, providing not just shelter, but a complete socio-economic framework for progress and empowerment.
Education, healthcare, and economic empowerment at the core
A major focus of the initiative is education, seen as a key driver of long-term change. Through a partnership with the Digital School, a programme under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the Rashid Education Project will provide children with high-quality digital learning. The curriculum is designed to bridge educational gaps while empowering youth with the knowledge and skills needed for the future. Alongside education, the project is heavily invested in economic empowerment. Families in the village will have access to:
- Vocational training programmes
- Micro-enterprise support
- Craft and commercial venture incubation
- Technical and financial resources to launch small businesses
These efforts aim to reduce long-term dependence on aid, promote community productivity, and build household-level economic stability. Healthcare is also a core pillar. The village’s health centre will be equipped to offer full medical and therapeutic services. Preventive healthcare will be delivered in collaboration with international humanitarian organisations, with special attention to child and maternal health. Additionally, community members will receive training in first aid and preventive care, building local capacity and contributing to the safety and well-being of the village population.
A long-term vision: One village every year
The launch of Rashid Villages is not a one-time gesture, but a strategic and ongoing mission. Sheikh Hamdan confirmed that the initiative will continue to expand, with one model village constructed each year. This growth plan is intended to steadily extend the reach of Sheikh Rashid’s legacy, bringing sustainable development to vulnerable communities across the world.“Today, we launch ‘Rashid Villages’, an ambitious humanitarian initiative… a testament to the values that defined his life, ensuring that his impact endures both in Dubai and beyond,” Sheikh Hamdan said.
