In a rare and meaningful gathering, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, hosted H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai. The meeting was more than just a formal exchange; it symbolized the strong bonds of leadership and friendship between the leaders of the Emirates.

The atmosphere was warm and filled with mutual respect as they engaged in friendly conversation, sharing ideas on the UAE’s future. They touched on critical national issues, particularly those that directly affect the well-being of the people. Their focus was on enhancing the quality of life for all citizens, a goal that remains central to the UAE’s leadership vision.

This meeting emphasized the shared commitment to fostering a community where progress and welfare go hand in hand. It was a reminder that, at the heart of every policy, initiative, and development project in the UAE, there lies a deep-rooted desire to make life better for every citizen. Their collaboration continues to shape a dynamic, forward-thinking nation where leadership thrives on unity and vision.

In this moment, the true spirit of the UAE was on full display—a country where leaders, united in purpose, work tirelessly for the prosperity and happiness of their people.

In a world where innovation often starts in labs and boardrooms, one Emirati woman found her inspiration in something far more humble: the discarded kernel of a date. What many saw as waste, Noura Saleh Nasir Al-Mazroui saw as a missed opportunity—a “hidden treasure” ripe with potential. Today, her groundbreaking project is not only transforming the UAE’s most iconic fruit into health-boosting superfoods but is also attracting attention across the region for its sustainability and creativity.

“Today, we are proud to celebrate a daughter of the Emirates whose vision and innovation reflect the UAE’s values of sustainability, excellence, and heritage preservation,” said Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayad. “Her project is a shining example of how challenges can be turned into opportunities that serve both our society and national goals.”

Describing her project as a milestone in local innovation, he commended Al-Mazroui’s unique approach of blending heritage conservation with forward-thinking food science. “This creative endeavor demonstrates how our sons and daughters can transform challenges into real opportunities,” he added, affirming the leadership’s full support for initiatives that support the UAE’s identity and global reputation in food innovation and sustainable development.

Turning Waste into Wellness

Al-Mazroui’s journey began with a simple visit to a factory. There, she noticed the kernels of dates being discarded as industrial waste. Where others saw refuse, she envisioned a product that could nourish, heal, and inspire. Through determination and relentless experimentation, she succeeded in developing a series of health-focused food products made from date seed flour—ranging from gluten-free noodles and pastries to alternative rice.

The process itself is a model of sustainability: kernels are collected, sorted, washed, sterilized, and ground without the use of any chemicals. The resulting flour is then blended with other nutritious, allergy-friendly flours like seed flour—making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs, including those with gluten intolerance.

Al-Mazroui remains humble about her achievement, saying: “What I have offered is something simple for the UAE. My goal is to see this product, born in the Al-Dhafra region, reach the entire world.”

Her work not only reimagines food innovation from local resources but also strengthens the UAE’s identity as a global leader in sustainability. Both Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayad have confirmed the full support of the UAE’s leadership for projects like Al Mazroul’s—initiatives that intertwine heritage, innovation, and national pride.

With visionaries like Noura Al-Mazroui leading the way, the UAE is not just preserving its heritage—it is transforming it into a beacon of innovation for the world to see.

In a powerful show of international solidarity and humanitarian vision, the Mohammed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanitarian Impact, in collaboration with key global partners, has officially launched the “Startups Fund”—a landmark initiative made to change maternal and newborn health across Africa. The announcement took place in the distinguished presence of His Highness Sheikh Dyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the Presidential Council for Development Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Erth Zayeb Al-Insani Foundation.

With a goal to prevent over 300,000 preventable deaths and deliver quality healthcare to 34 million mothers and newborns across Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, this initiative reflects the UAE’s growing influence in global humanitarian leadership.

A High-Level Gathering for a Higher Purpose

Joining Sheikh Dyab at the launch ceremony were dignitaries and change-makers from UAE and Africa. The event wasn’t just a ceremonial gesture—it marked a bold, practical shift in global health equity.
Empowering Innovation for Health
With $600 million in joint charitable commitments, the Startups Fund aims to channel financial and technical support to bold, scalable innovations that can meaningfully address the causes of maternal and neonatal mortality. From remote health monitoring solutions to community-driven prenatal care programs, the initiative focuses on sustainable impact and lasting change.

Of the total, $100 million will go directly toward programs promoting safe childbirth and maternal wellbeing, while the Mohammed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanitarian Impact has committed a generous $125 million to fund the initiative.

A Global Network of Support

This ambitious mission is backed by an alliance of world-renowned philanthropies including:
– Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF)
-Delta Philanthropies
-ELMA Foundation
-Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

As well as support from organizations such as the Horace W. Smith Foundation and Patchwork Collective

Each partner brings a unique strength—from funding to on-the-ground implementation—ensuring the initiative moves from vision to real-world transformation.

Hope, Health, and a Future for All

As Africa continues to face some of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world, the UAE-led Startups Fund offers more than aid—it offers hope. It’s a model of how innovation, partnership, and vision can create ripple effects of progress across continents.
This historic launch emphasizes the UAE’s commitment to not only respond to global humanitarian challenges but to lead them—with compassion, strategy, and impact.

In the words of one of the attending leaders: “This is not just an investment in health. It’s an investment in generations.”