News DeskAbu Dhabi: Prominent education philanthropist Sunny Varkey has contributed AED 100 million to support Awqaf Abu Dhabi’s “Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans” campaign, an initiative launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
The contribution reflects Varkey’s longstanding commitment to philanthropy and social development, particularly through education. As founder of the Varkey Foundation, he has been widely recognised for advancing learning opportunities across underserved communities worldwide. The latest pledge also highlights the Varkey family’s continued dedication to community responsibility and their broader mission to empower lives through education.
The endowment is designed as a sustainable platform aimed at expanding access to quality education for orphans. By supporting their academic journeys, the initiative seeks to strengthen social inclusion, enhance economic prospects, and enable young people to build stable and dignified futures.
Varkey’s donation comes amid strong nationwide engagement with the campaign, which coincides with the UAE’s Year of the Family. The initiative has drawn support from across society, reflecting a collective commitment to standing alongside orphans and reinforcing the country’s values of unity and social solidarity.
Commenting on the pledge, Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of the Varkey Foundation and GEMS Education, described the campaign as a powerful example of the UAE’s leadership in compassionate and sustainable development.
“We are proud to support the Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans, an initiative that embodies the UAE’s forward-looking vision for social impact,” he said. “This model of giving ensures that support for orphans is lasting, offering stability, dignity, and opportunity for generations.”
He added that philanthropy has long been central to his family’s values. “Through this endowment, we hope orphaned children will grow up with security, access to quality education, and the confidence to pursue their aspirations. Education remains the cornerstone of a thriving society, and empowering young people ultimately strengthens the nation as a whole.”
Varkey also praised Awqaf Abu Dhabi’s efforts to develop innovative endowment models capable of delivering enduring social benefits, noting that collaboration on such initiatives reflects the spirit of cohesion that defines the UAE.
Sunny Varkey is internationally known for championing education-driven philanthropy, including the Global Teacher Prize established by GEMS Education. His work continues to focus on scalable solutions that broaden access to learning and uplift communities.
Launched on February 18, 2026, the “Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans” campaign aims to revitalise the role of waqf as a sustainable tool for social development. Rooted in the UAE’s longstanding commitment to supporting orphans through families and institutions, the initiative encourages broad community participation while fostering a balanced and cohesive society.
