Dubai businessman donates Dh3 billion in memory of daughter who died of cancer

A prominent local businessman has pledged a significant donation of around Dh3 billion to the Fathers Endowment campaign, which was launched by the Dubai Ruler on February 21.

Mirwais Azizi, the founder and chairman of Azizi Group, made this generous contribution in honor of his daughter, Farishta Azizi, who tragically passed away after battling an aggressive form of cancer. The donation will be directed towards the construction of a non-profit hospital in Dubai, dedicated to providing free and affordable cancer treatment to patients in the UAE.

Speaking to Khaleej Times during the Arab Hope Maker 2025 event in Dubai, Azizi emphasized that the hospital would also feature a research center focused on advancing cancer treatment technologies. “Patients in the UAE will no longer need to travel abroad for the best cancer care,” he said.

This new hospital will be part of a larger humanitarian medical complex, which will include both a research facility and a medical training center. This donation represents the largest contribution from the UAE private sector toward a charitable cause of this nature.

Azizi shared that the hospital's construction is set to begin later this year, with plans to build similar institutions in various countries across the globe.

The Fathers Endowment initiative, spearheaded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is designed to honor fathers in the UAE by establishing a sustainable fund dedicated to healthcare and treatment for those in need. The initiative is part of Sheikh Mohammed's longstanding tradition of launching charitable efforts during Ramadan.

Farishta Azizi, an architect by profession, had been diagnosed with cancer several years ago. Though she initially went into remission after her first round of treatment, the disease returned aggressively.

In a video shared at the event, Farhad Azizi, the CEO of Azizi Group and Farishta’s brother, spoke about the family's experience. “We were fortunate to provide Farishta with the best medical care,” he said. “But not everyone has that privilege. We hope this donation can help those who cannot afford such care.”

Mirwais Azizi reflected on his daughter’s passing, saying, "Farishta was diagnosed with cancer. After her first round of treatment was successful, the cancer relapsed about seven months ago. Unfortunately, on October 29 of last year, she passed away. We laid her to rest here in Dubai, a city she loved." He added that her passing reignited his passion for charity work, highlighting the shared humanity that binds everyone together.

In addition to this donation, Azizi also revealed a $500 million commitment to construct a medical complex in Kabul, Afghanistan. This will include the Farishta Azizi Medical City, which will house a 400-bed cancer treatment center, a 200-bed maternity and gynecology hospital, an orphanage for up to 10,000 children, as well as a medical university, nursing school, and other vital healthcare facilities.