From dispatching relief supplies to Gaza as the Israel-Hamas fighting rages on and supporting search operations in Turkey after a deadly earthquake struck last year to pledging sizeable humanitarian aid to Sudan, humanitarianism is at the core of UAE’s actions.
The Gulf state has been at the frontline of global efforts to provide critical aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. The UAE’s efforts account for a notable 27% contribution of the total aid sent to the territory. Besides relief supplies, the country has also established a field hospital there.
On Global Humanitarian Day, UN Secretary-General Guterres demanded an end to attacks on humanitarians and on all civilians. In his message on the occasion, he stressed that international humanitarian rules are being ignored and trampled.
Generosity has become an integral part of Emirati culture
HH Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO), recently noted that the challenges the global community is currently facing necessitate the strengthening of global alliances for humanitarian efforts.
His Highness stressed that the UAE is fostering humanitarian values and a culture of philanthropy among its citizens and residents. He also highlighted the lessons on selfless humanitarianism taught by the nation’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed.
Sheikh Khalid reaffirmed the importance of compassion and empathy as fundamental pillers for building a better future for all of humanity and send a message of global solidarity. Generosity has become an integral part of Emirati culture, he added.
UAE topping list of donors for humanitarian and development aid
The UAE is at the forefront of global humanitarian efforts, through the country’s significant initiatives in providing disaster relief, food, medical assistance, education, healthcare and protection to the most vulnerable groups struggling across the globe.
On the annual occasion, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), underscored that the UAE, under the leadership of President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, continues to intensify its humanitarian efforts regionally and internationally.
He noted that the Gulf state has topped the list of donors for humanitarian and development aid, thanks to the initiatives launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
UAE’s aid has only humanitarian objectives
In 2022, the total UAE funding in relation to international aid amounted to $3.45 billion. Over the span of three years, from 2020 to 2022, the country displayed a strong commitment to global development and humanitarian aid, and is continuing to do so.
The UAE’s aid has only humanitarian objectives. It is neither controlled by politics nor is limited by race, colour, religion or geography of the beneficiary. This is a practical application of the principle of tolerance and co-existence in the UAE.
The foreign aid targets priority areas such as, supporting children, eliminating poverty, providing necessary humanitarian assistance, and backing global sectoral programmes like transportation, infrastructure, governments support and female empowerment.
Some examples of UAE’s global humanitarian efforts
1. Commitment to Gaza reconstruction plans
In an effort to establish long-term peace in the Middle East, the UAE expressed its intention to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the brutal Israel-Hamas fighting concludes. The Gulf state has been frequently calling for an immediate and effective ceasefire.
2. Post-conflict reconstruction efforts in Iraq
In 2018, the UAE pledged $50 million to fund heritage reconstruction in Iraq’s Mosul. In 2021, the country again made another important announcement to invest $3 billion as part of its broader post-conflict reconstruction efforts in Iraq.
3. Finding a solution to the deepening crisis in Sudan
The struggles of the Sudanese people have doubled since last year due to violence. The UAE has announced an allocation of $70 million to UN agencies and humanitarian organisations in support of efforts dedicated to alleviating the deepening crisis in Sudan.
4. Facilitating multiple Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchanges
Since the beginning of this year, the UAE has concluded at least six Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchanges, helping scores of people return home. These deals reflect the GCC nation’s commitment to remaining a reliable mediator supporting diplomacy.
5. Supporting people of Brazil amid deadly floods
Heavy rains recently battered Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul, triggering historic floods. The UAE President soon instructed the dispatch of urgent relief supplies to support those impacted. In response, the Brazilian President expressed his gratitude to the Emirates.
6. Dispatching aid as earthquake strikes Marrakech
Last year, UAE leader HH Sheikh Mohamed ordered the urgent transportation of relief materials to Morocco as a strong earthquake struck near Marrakech. PM HH Sheikh Mohammed instructed the police rescue and ambulance teams to help in rescue efforts.
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