The UAE is one of the most generous donor countries. If the latest numbers are taken into consideration, the Gulf state has contributed more than $98 billion in foreign assistance since its founding by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan.
The UAE’s global humanitarian efforts have benefited over 1 billion people across the globe. On Monday, President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed issued a federal decree to establish the UAE Aid Agency. The entity shall have full legal capacity to act.
UAE’s dedication to addressing humanitarian challenges
Speaking on the occasion of the establishment of the agency, HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, noted that the decree represents a continuation of the steadfast humanitarian legacy laid by the Founding Father.
“This approach reflects the UAE’s dedication to addressing humanitarian challenges and forstering sustainable development globally,” he further mentioned, highlighting the leadership’s commitment to advancing the noble humanitarian efforts.
HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the UAE, emphasised the UAE’s focus on offering essential humanitarian assistance, enhancing living conditions, and supporting communities and people across all continents.
The aid agency’s responsibilities include planning, executing and monitoring official government support, particularly focusing on disaster relief, early recovery programmes, post-conflict stabilisation, and capacity building programmes.
UAE’s notable humanitarian efforts in different countries
The UAE’s humanitarian efforts for different purposes is prominent across the globe. From the beginning of 2021 to mid-2022, the country has dispatched more than $3.5 billion in foreign assistance to different regions.
1. The UAE’s ‘Gallant Knight 3’ humanitarian operation in the Gaza Strip has been continuing since 2023. It has already delivered tens of thousands of tonnes of aid, including food, tents, clothing and medicines for displaced families.
2. The operation has helped establish a UAE Field Hospital in Gaza and a floating hospital in neighboring Egypt. Both the facilities have been treating scores of patients. The UAE has also allocated $5 million to support the polio vaccination campaign in the territory.
3. Since the start of 2021, Yemen has been the biggest recipient of aid from the UAE, having received more than $435 million. In 2022, the Gulf state contributed to a $2 billion pledge for economic support to the Central Bank of Yemen.
4. Russian troops marched into Ukraine in February 2022. Since the beginning of the crisis, the UAE has sent planes carrying relief aid to Ukrainian refugees. The Gulf state has also been facilitating Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchanges on multiple occasions.
5. In 2022, the UAE started operating an air bridge to transport humanitarian aid to Pakistan for those affected by torrential rains and floods. The relief supplies included shelter materials, food and medical supplies to support tens of thousands of Pakistani families.
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