Sheikh Hamdan announces second Rashid Village in Zanzibar

Dubai's Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has revealed plans for a second Rashid Village to be built in Zanzibar. This announcement was made on the social media platform Instagram on the same day as the 11th anniversary of the passing of late Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The Zanzibar village will offer education and training programs aimed at helping its residents secure stable futures and lead dignified lives. This marks a significant expansion of Rashid Villages, a humanitarian initiative launched by Sheikh Hamdan in September 2025 to uphold the humanitarian legacy of his brother. The first Rashid Village was unveiled in Kenya last year, initiating the project's global expansion.

The initial project was planned for 7.2 hectares and included furnished homes, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, community amenities, and initiatives to foster sustainable livelihoods, benefiting approximately 1,700 people. To oversee the progress of Rashid Villages, Sheikh Hamdan has formed a 'Supervisory Committee of Rashid Villages'.

Additionally, Dubai has taken further strides in this initiative by establishing the Dh100 billion Zabeel District within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Sheikh Hamdan has also endorsed projects that aim to reinforce the family's role as the cornerstone of society.