The Big Heart Foundation Changes 526,433 Lives Across 14 Nations with 26+ Projects Worth AED 24.2 Million
26+ Transformative Projects Worth AED 24.2 Million Impact 526,433 Lives in 14 Countries Through TBHF in 2024
The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), a Sharjah-based global humanitarian organisation dedicated to aiding refugees and vulnerable communities worldwide, has announced that it provided humanitarian support worth AED 24.2 million in 2024, positively impacting 526,433 individuals across 14 countries. In a year marked by compounded global challenges, TBHF focused its efforts on delivering immediate relief and long-term resilience through over 26 impactful projects.
From education and healthcare to emergency response, infrastructure, livelihoods, and food aid, TBHF’s 2024 portfolio reached countries including Chad, Lebanon, Sudan, Tanzania, Pakistan, Egypt, and Jordan, demonstrating agility in urgent response and sustainability in vision.
Education: AED 11.5 million transforms the lives of 8,723 beneficiaries
TBHF invested AED 11.5 million in education initiatives benefiting 8,723 individuals globally. Key projects included over AED 1.5 million for the SOS Big Heart School in Pakistan, supporting 480 children, and a school bus project aiding 350 students at Lebanon’s Chemlan Social Welfare Institution. Refugee scholarships, including AED 3.5 million towards the DAFI programme in Egypt, were also part of the education mission. Sudan saw rehabilitation of key education institutions, while Lebanon received the largest single educational investment by TBHF in 2024—AED 3.6 million for the establishment of the Big Heart Cultural and Educational Centre.
Healthcare: AED 2.51 million reaches over 380,000 people worldwide
In 2024, TBHF allocated AED 2.51 million to healthcare efforts across Zanzibar, mainland Tanzania, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, with spending exceeding AED 600,000 across these regions. AED 73,640 was directed toward child and maternal welfare in Lebanon, supporting 5,000 individuals. Chad received AED 1.84 million in healthcare aid benefiting 25,000 people. TBHF also committed AED 3.01 million to improve reproductive, maternal, and child healthcare services at Al Bab Maternity Hospital.
Emergency relief: AED 5.53 million to confront crises in Gaza, Sudan, and Pakistan
TBHF dedicated AED 5.53 million to emergency response initiatives in Gaza, Sudan, and Pakistan. Of this, AED 1.89 million was channeled into Gaza, and over half a million dirhams into Pakistan’s flood recovery. Support for displaced Sudanese communities was also a core focus, reinforcing TBHF’s responsiveness to regional crises.
Infrastructure development: AED 589,309 in Egypt and Jordan
TBHF invested AED 404,250 in Egypt to strengthen the operations of ready-made garment factories, while AED 185,059 was allocated for infrastructure development in Jordan. These efforts aligned with TBHF’s commitment to sustainable development and long-term community resilience.
Livelihoods: AED 3.6 million to empower communities in Lebanon, Pakistan, and beyond
Livelihood enhancement projects received over AED 3.6 million. In Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, AED 535,225 helped 2,250 flood-affected individuals. Other projects included AED 185,060 for the Zaatari Skate Bus initiative, AED 1,331,984 to improve living conditions in Lebanon, and AED 1,792,191 to expand garment factory operations.
Food aid: AED 1.1 million supports 91,150 Sudanese refugees and IDPs
TBHF delivered AED 1,102,500 in food baskets to internally displaced Sudanese and refugees in Egypt, directly aiding 91,150 individuals. This response to urgent nutritional needs underscored TBHF’s ongoing commitment to food security in crisis-affected regions.
2024: A year of collective humanitarian response
Her Excellency Alya Al Musaeibi, Director of TBHF, said: “2024 tested the resilience of the global humanitarian community. Through determination and the unwavering support of our partners, we restored hope in thousands of lives. Our work this year extended beyond emergency response to include long-term empowerment and community rebuilding. We remained committed to transparency, measurable outcomes, and shared global responsibility throughout every project.”
Global humanitarian impact led by Sheikha Jawaher in 2024
Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of TBHF, led high-impact visits to several TBHF-funded initiatives worldwide. These included a tour of the National Cancer Institute’s Southern Hospital in Cairo—renovated through AED 33 million in TBHF support—and the inauguration of the Sheikha Jawaher MRI Unit at Ahl Masr Hospital, funded with AED 1 million. In Zanzibar, Her Highness launched the TBHF Mobile Medical Clinic, benefiting over 20,000 patients annually.
This mobile initiative, rolled out in partnership with Aster Volunteers, now operates in 12 countries, delivering healthcare to more than 178,740 individuals through 2,000 medical camps. The Zanzibar clinic alone aims to support 250,000 people over the next decade.
Additionally, Her Highness launched a new cardio-oncology centre in London to serve over 10 million beneficiaries worldwide and renewed her role as UNHCR Eminent Advocate. TBHF also partnered with Asprey to release a humanitarian jewellery collection supporting global causes.
To mark a decade of giving, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and TBHF Humanitarian Envoy, hosted a donor appreciation event at Al Seef Palace, celebrating the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher in institutionalising sustainable humanitarian work.
“I’m human” campaign supports families in Gaza and Sudan
In response to the worsening humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan, TBHF launched the “i’m human” zakat campaign for 2024, directing funds to displaced families. The initiative continues to receive donations and represents a collective global stand for compassion, protection, and rebuilding lives.
SIARA 2024 recognises Nigerian innovation in refugee advocacy
The Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support (SIARA) 2024 received 527 nominations from 53 countries. The award was granted to Nigeria’s LightEd Impact Foundation for its pioneering use of recycled e-waste and plastics to develop solar-powered solutions that have benefited over 26,000 households. The AED 500,000 award affirms TBHF’s commitment to recognising innovative solutions that drive systemic change in marginalised communities.