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Project Rise

The Dawoodi Bohras of Abu Dhabi participate in the Mangrove restoration initiative

Serving Communities Across the Middle East

Launched in 2018 under the guidance of Sultan al-Bohra Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, Project Rise reflects the Islamic values of khidmat (selfless service) and rahmah (compassion), with a mission to uplift the deserving and protect the planet.
Guided by these values, Dawoodi Bohra communities across the world are advancing local efforts through Project Rise.
In the Middle East, the initiative aligns closely with national goals, particularly the UAE’s Vision 2030, which emphasises sustainability, inclusion, and environmental responsibility. From leading clean-up drives and environmental campaigns to distributing meals and supporting children's education , Bohra volunteers are mobilising to contribute in meaningful ways as much as possible. 
Project Rise in the Middle East is more than an initiative — it is a promise. A promise of dignity through service, and to rise together for the benefit of society.

Our Annual Impact

Eco-friendly practitioners

Project Rise volunteers across Bahrain, Dubai, and Sharjah took creative measures to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices. In Bahrain, for World Environment Day, composting techniques were introduced to over 100 attendees to turn organic household waste into nutrient-rich soil.  The Dubai Dawoodi Bohra community hosted “Eco-Swap” with the aim of reducing, reusing and recycling waste in homes, offices and at community centres. The initiative aligned with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, which promotes collective action for environmental conservation.

Cleanup and restoration activities across the region

Across the Middle East, Dawoodi Bohra volunteers joined together for a series of cleanup and restoration activities. As part of Project Rise and in collaboration with organisations like DEAP Qatar, Tadweer, and the EAD, hundreds of Dawoodi Bohra volunteers across Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, Kuwait and Doha celebrated World Cleanup Day, Earth Day, and World Environment Day 2024 by engaging in cleanup initiatives like trash collection, beach cleanups, and recycling efforts to protect and preserve their communities and ecosystems.

Restoring the UAE’s coastline

Mangroves, capable of capturing five times more carbon than tropical rainforests, are the first line of defence in the fight against climate change. In the UAE’s arid climate, these resilient powerhouses are capable of protecting coastlines, reducing erosion, and supporting marine life. Under the patronage of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the Dawoodi Bohras of the Middle East partnered with the Environmental Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI) to plant over 10,000 mangrove saplings.

Read Our Annual Impact Reports

Annual Report 2025

A man in a white robe serves food to a group of children sitting at orange tables in a classroom. Cover Photo of Project Rise 2024 Annual Report.

Annual Report 2024

A large group of volunteers participate in a river and pathway cleanup. They hold signs and pose for a photo with collected trash bags. Cover Photo of Project Rise 2024 Annual Report.

Annual Report 2023

Two men in white gloves collect trash from a beach. Cover Photo of Project Rise 2022 Annual Report.

Annual Report 2022

A woman measures the height of a girl using a measuring stick. Both wear face masks. The image is within a sunburst design. Cover Photo of Project Rise 2021 Annual Report.

Annual Report 2021

A man gently feeds a young child a small round food item. Cover Photo of Project Rise 2020 Annual Report.

Annual Report 2020

Environment
Food Security
Health
Water Sanitation
Education
Environment & Sustainability
Food & Nutrition
Healthcare & Well-Being
Water & Sanitation
Education

Environment & Sustainability

The Holy Quran teaches to contemplate on various aspects of Creation and to not be wasteful of its abundant resources.  Guided by these teachings, members across the Middle East work to protect the environment and restore its natural balance. Through Project Rise, volunteers engage in clean-up drives, tree-planting campaigns, recycling initiatives, and climate education, striving to reduce harm and renew hope. In a validating moment in 2022, the UAE community was commended with the (Middle East Waste and Recycling (MEWAR) award for their continued efforts for environmental sustainability. 

Initiatives

Guardians of Nature's Gifts
  • Belief in responsible use of natural resources
  • Commitment to preserving for future generations
Burhani Foundation
  • Tree planting drives
  • Cleanup activities
  • Wildlife conservation efforts
Ocean Rescue Alliance
  • Joining forces with UN Champion Afroz Shah
  • Tackling plastic pollution in water bodies
Global Collaboration
  • Urgency for collective action against plastic pollution
  • Bohra community leading the way in environmental responsibility
Our Work
  • Tree-planting drives to improve air quality and combat deforestation.
  • Community clean-ups to maintain cleaner public spaces.
  • Recycling initiatives to promote waste reduction and sustainability.
  • Awareness campaigns on responsible environmental practices.
  • Collaborations with environmental organizations to enhance conservation efforts.
Our Partners

The planting of trees is a most beneficial act for they lend beauty to the earth and bring about a downpour of Allah’s blessings.

- Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin

Food Security

Guided by the teachings of the Holy Quran and Prophetic tradition,which encourages the act of feeding others as a form of worship, Dawoodi Bohra volunteers across the Middle East regularly distribute fresh, home-cooked meals to those in need, including labourers, refugees, and low-income families.
Our Work
  • Food bank partnerships to distribute essential groceries to families in need.
  • Community meal programs providing hot meals to underserved populations.
  • Hunger relief efforts during crises and emergencies.
  • Minimizing food waste by redistributing surplus food to those in need.
  • Collaboration with organizations like Feeding America and the World Food Program to expand impact.
Our Partners

A meal intended for one suffices two.

- Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq

Healthcare & Well-Being

Islam teaches the importance of preserving both physical and mental well-being. Project Rise initiatives across the Middle East prioritise preventive care and accessible health services for all, particularly the elderly, children, and vulnerable populations.
Regional efforts include free health check-ups, blood donation drives, women’s wellness seminars, and the distribution of hygiene kits. Mental health awareness campaigns in collaboration with licensed counsellors also reflect a holistic commitment to care.
Our Work
  • Free health camps offering medical check-ups and consultations.
  • Vaccination drives to improve public health and prevent diseases.
  • Preventive screenings for chronic illnesses and early detection.
  • Wellness programs focused on mental health, nutrition, and elder care.
  • Support from Dawoodi Bohra healthcare professionals providing medical expertise.
  • Saifee Burhani Meds Conference advancing healthcare outreach and solutions.
Our Partners

Allah has not sent down an ailment but he has sent down with it a cure.

- Prophet Mohammed

Water & Sanitation

The Prophet Mohammed ﷺ emphasises the importance to conserve and preserve all natural resources. Abiding by this tradition, Project Rise volunteers are committed to conserving water while exploring innovative avenues of utilising Earth’s water supply. This includes the undertaking of various projects to bring fresh water to rural areas by  installing hand pumps, practising rainwater harvesting and raising awareness to reduce wastage.
Our Work
  • Water conservation campaigns to promote sustainable water use.
  • Public awareness programs on hygiene and sanitation practices.
  • Clean-up efforts to address water pollution and contamination.
  • Support for local water access programs ensuring clean drinking water for all.
Our Partners

It is imperative to offer gratitude to Allah and not waste water,
 the Prophet Mohammed teaches us to conserve and preserve all natural resources

- Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin

Education

The pursuit of knowledge is a sacred duty in Islam. Inspired by the Prophet Mohammed’s ﷺ emphasis on acquiring ilm (knowledge), Project Rise initiatives support deserving individuals across the Middle East and beyond through outreach efforts which include distribution of  school kits, tuition subsidies, and literacy support for under-resourced learners.
Our Work
  • Providing infrastructure support to educational institutions in rural areas
  • Sponsoring digital literacy initiatives & scholarships for youth empowerment
  • Promoting education and empowerment for girls
  • Undertaking skill development workshops for women and youth
Our Partners

The pursuit of knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim man and woman.

- The Prophet Mohammed

Stories of Impact

A news-article panel updated with recent links to articles Project-Rise related
Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin awarded honorary doctorate in Surat
2 mins|September 22, 2026

Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin awarded honorary doctorate in Surat

 Bahrain Dawoodi Bohras champion digital decluttering drive
3 mins|June 14, 2026

Bahrain Dawoodi Bohras champion digital decluttering drive

 Indian Embassy and the Dawoodi Bohras come together for a tree drive
3 mins|April 25, 2026

Indian Embassy and the Dawoodi Bohras come together for a tree drive

 Sustainability in action: How the Dawoodi Bohras in Dubai are building a greener tomorrow
4 mins|June 18, 2025

Sustainability in action: How the Dawoodi Bohras in Dubai are building a greener tomorrow

Sharjah

“The endowment project ‘Prophet’s Neighbours’ is a practical embodiment of the values of compassion and solidarity advocated by our Noble Prophet—peace be upon him. At the Foundation, we are proud of this collaboration that translates the spirit of humanitarian dialogue into tangible projects that contribute to building a dignified life for our children deprived of parental care.”

Mona bin Hadha Al Suwaidi

Director-General of the Foundation
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