Emirates Airline Foundation and Emirates Auction have raised AED 8.8 million (USD 2.4 million) in a landmark fundraising initiative that will strengthen humanitarian programmes for underprivileged children in Kenya and across the world. The funds were generated through the auction of seven rare Emirates Skywards membership numbers offering Platinum tier status benefits, with 100 percent of proceeds directed toward new initiatives and the expansion of the Foundation’s grassroots network.
The auction, which ran from 17 December 2025 to 17 January 2026, attracted more than 900 bids from participants across 131 countries. The highest single bid reached AED 1.6 million during the month-long process. Two bidders secured 20-year Platinum memberships, while five others won 15-year memberships. Successful bidders represented a broad international mix, including the UAE, UK, India, United States, Pakistan, France, Germany, Egypt and Thailand, underscoring the global appeal of the initiative.
The funds will enable the Foundation to broaden its humanitarian reach while deepening support for children already benefiting from its programmes. In Kenya, where the Foundation works with three non-governmental organisations, support includes education at Little Prince Nursery and Primary School in Kibera, art therapy programmes for more than 200 children through Alfajiri Street Kids, and four-year scholarships for academically talented boys at Starehe Boys’ Centre. The Foundation currently collaborates with 14 NGOs across nine countries, including Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe on the African continent, as well as India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Brazil, the UAE and Bangladesh.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline and Chairman of the Emirates Airline Foundation, said the initiative was designed to explore innovative ways to expand the Foundation’s humanitarian impact. He noted that the exclusivity and prestige associated with Platinum status resonated strongly with bidders, resulting in an extraordinary global response. He added that the proceeds would allow the Foundation to partner with more organisations, reach new communities and strengthen programmes already transforming the lives of children in countries including India, the Philippines, Brazil, Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Abdullah Matar Al Mannai, Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates Auction, described the results as a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when purpose, innovation and collaboration align. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting charitable initiatives, particularly those led by national institutions with a global humanitarian outlook, and expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to drive meaningful, lasting change.
Following the success of the inaugural initiative, the Emirates Airline Foundation and Emirates Auction have confirmed that the auction will become an annual event, creating an ongoing opportunity for supporters worldwide to contribute to humanitarian causes while receiving exclusive value in return.
Operating under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Emirates Airline Foundation serves as the official charity arm of The Emirates Group, providing housing, healthcare, nutrition, education and vocational support to vulnerable children. Funded by Emirates customers and employees, the Foundation has completed more than 50 projects, with nearly all donations channelled directly into programmes that deliver tangible impact for children and communities in need.
