The Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation and Gates Foundation will co-host Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi on 8 December, marking its first Middle East edition.
ABU DHABI: The Goalkeepers initiative, the global flagship event by the Gates Foundation, will make its Middle East debut in Abu Dhabi on 8th December 2025. The event is being co-hosted with the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity and will gather changemakers, innovators, and global leaders to accelerate progress towards the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
This will be the first time Goalkeepers is hosted in the MENA region since the initiative’s inception in 2017. The event aims to spotlight transformative ideas and highlight the individuals making a real-world impact across health, education, climate, and equality.
Dr. Shamma Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Acting Director-General of the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation, said, “Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi is a moment to celebrate the promise of human potential and to showcase ideas improving lives at scale.” She emphasised the UAE’s leadership in investing in global well-being and inclusive development.
Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “We’re proud to partner with the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity. Their commitment to mothers’ and children’s health and combating infectious diseases is saving millions of lives.”
The Goalkeepers platform also includes an annual report, a global awards programme, and a strong community network of leaders driving change. It traditionally convenes alongside the UN General Assembly in New York, with past speakers including Malala Yousafzai, Queen Rania, Emmanuel Macron, Ed Sheeran, and Bono.
By hosting Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi, the UAE reinforces its status as a key global convening space for impact and innovation. The event is expected to draw policymakers, NGOs, entrepreneurs, and creative voices from across the globe.
