In a powerful show of commitment to humanitarian values and social solidarity, the International Charity Organisation (ICO) has unveiled its ambitious summer campaign for 2025, pledging Dhs28 million to a range of impactful projects. This annual initiative reflects the UAE’s broader vision of humanitarian leadership and global outreach, particularly during the challenging summer months when high temperatures amplify the hardships faced by underprivileged populations.
The ICO’s summer campaign is set to bring relief and hope to thousands of individuals across the UAE and beyond, with a particular focus on underserved families, orphaned children, laborers, and communities experiencing water scarcity. The campaign aligns with the UAE’s ethos of compassion and its strategic goal of enhancing the country’s reputation as a leading force in global philanthropy.
Targeted Relief Measures for High-Need Areas
The summer campaign is comprehensive in scope and grounded in practicality, focusing on three main pillars: provision of essential household appliances, implementation of water security projects, and direct assistance to workers and worshippers. These initiatives are not only designed to provide immediate relief but also to promote longer-term resilience in the face of recurring seasonal challenges.
One of the core objectives of the campaign is the distribution of household electrical appliances, such as air conditioners, fans, and refrigerators, to families living in extreme heat without access to cooling technologies. By ensuring that vulnerable households can maintain a livable indoor environment, the ICO is helping to prevent heat-related illnesses, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.
Another vital component of the campaign is the expansion of water access projects. The ICO will be drilling new water wells in rural and arid regions, rehabilitating damaged water sources, and delivering clean water via tankers to areas affected by water shortages. These efforts are particularly crucial in regions where communities have limited access to safe drinking water, which becomes a critical issue during the scorching summer months.
For outdoor laborers and individuals attending places of worship, the ICO is providing cold water, hydration packs, and shaded rest areas. These measures not only offer physical relief but also convey a message of dignity and appreciation for the hard work and spiritual dedication of these segments of society.
Leadership and Vision from ICO
Dr. Khalid Abdul Wahab Al Khaja, Secretary-General of the ICO, emphasized the humanitarian and strategic importance of the summer campaign during its official launch. He stated that the Dhs28 million initiative reflects the organization’s long-term vision of alleviating suffering and reinforcing the values of solidarity and social responsibility.
“Our summer campaign is more than a seasonal project. It’s an extension of our mission to ensure that no one is left behind, especially in the harshest times of the year,” said Dr. Al Khaja. “This campaign is about compassion in action. With the support of our generous benefactors, strategic partners, and volunteers, we are reaching out to those who need us most.”
He also highlighted the critical role that donors play in the success of such campaigns. “None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our donors and charitable partners. Their trust enables us to transform every dirham into meaningful change,” he added.
Legacy of Impact and Continued Humanitarian Expansion
The 2025 summer campaign follows the overwhelming success of the ICO’s Ramadan campaign earlier this year, which mobilized a staggering Dhs165 million across 23 countries. That campaign served as a hallmark of the ICO’s operational capabilities and commitment to large-scale humanitarian programming.
Some of the key accomplishments of the Ramadan campaign included the distribution of 315,000 Iftar meals in regions grappling with poverty, the provision of 22,000 food parcels to more than 450 disadvantaged villages worldwide, and the delivery of over 300,000 Iftar meals and 3,500 Ramadan food baskets within the UAE itself. These efforts were instrumental in providing nourishment, relief, and joy during the holy month.
In addition, 80,000 Fitra (Zakat Al-Fitr) distributions were made to assist families with essential needs during Eid, while 258 mosques were built and 1,000 water wells were drilled to support religious and community infrastructure. The campaign also extended financial and social support to 60,000 orphans, offering them a foundation of stability, care, and opportunity.
These impactful programs have built a strong legacy for the ICO, positioning it as one of the most proactive and respected charity organizations in the UAE and the wider region. The summer campaign is expected to build on this legacy by continuing to address pressing needs and expand the organization’s global footprint.
Global Outreach and Local Empowerment
While a significant portion of the ICO’s summer campaign will focus on international aid, including Africa and South Asia, a notable percentage will be directed toward projects within the UAE. This includes relief efforts aimed at blue-collar workers in construction, agriculture, and other outdoor sectors, as well as low-income Emirati and expatriate families residing in heat-affected areas.
The ICO’s domestic programs will be executed in close collaboration with UAE municipalities, community centers, mosques, and local NGOs to ensure seamless logistics, effective targeting, and sustainable outcomes. Volunteers and youth organizations will also play a critical role in the on-the-ground implementation of these activities, enhancing community engagement and encouraging a culture of giving among the younger generation.
Internationally, the campaign will prioritize fragile states and conflict zones where heat waves exacerbate already dire living conditions. Water scarcity, poor infrastructure, and limited healthcare services in these areas mean that ICO’s targeted aid will serve as a lifeline for thousands of people, providing tangible support where it’s needed most.
UAE’s Leading Role in Global Philanthropy
The ICO’s summer campaign is also a reflection of the UAE’s broader commitment to global development, sustainability, and humanitarian diplomacy. Over the years, the UAE has consistently ranked among the world’s top donors in terms of foreign aid relative to gross national income. This summer initiative further reinforces the country’s image as a beacon of generosity, compassion, and leadership in times of crisis.
In recent years, UAE-based charities like the ICO have played instrumental roles in delivering emergency relief, healthcare services, education, and infrastructure development to communities affected by natural disasters, poverty, and conflict. By leveraging advanced logistics, experienced personnel, and a strong donor base, the ICO is at the forefront of these efforts.
Furthermore, the alignment of the ICO’s initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ensures that their impact is not just immediate but also contributes to long-term development and resilience building. Projects related to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), good health and well-being (SDG 3), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10) are central to the organization’s framework.
Looking Ahead
As the summer heat intensifies, the ICO’s campaign offers a message of hope, resilience, and human solidarity. It reminds the world that compassion does not take a season off, and that meaningful change can be made through coordinated, strategic efforts fueled by generosity and purpose.
Dr. Khalid Al Khaja reaffirmed the ICO’s commitment to pursuing excellence in humanitarian work, stating, “As we deliver relief today, we’re also building a better tomorrow—for the child who drinks clean water, the laborer who rests in the shade, and the family who sleeps comfortably during summer nights.”
With the summer campaign officially underway, the ICO invites individuals, businesses, and philanthropic institutions across the UAE to participate, contribute, and amplify the impact of this noble endeavor. By coming together in the spirit of giving, the nation once again demonstrates that its greatest strength lies in the collective commitment to uplift humanity.
Do follow Uae stories for more Updates
Governments Unite for Cybersecurity at GISEC Dubai
