UAE Commemorates World Humanitarian Day By Pledging Support For Vulnerable Populations Worldwide

The UAE is set to mark World Humanitarian Day, highlighting its significant role in global crisis response. By mid-2024, the country had extended foreign aid valued at over AED368 billion, benefiting more than one billion people worldwide. This year's observance coincides with the UAE's leadership in international efforts to support victims of conflicts, especially Palestinians in Gaza.

In 2025, the UAE intensified its humanitarian initiatives for Ukraine. The UAE Aid Agency collaborated with the Olena Zelenska Foundation, contributing $4.5 million to establish centres for foster families and orphanages. By February, over 1.2 million Ukrainians, including a million women and children, had received aid from the UAE.

The UAE has been instrumental in aiding Palestinians in Gaza. According to UN reports, Emirati assistance made up 44% of all international aid to the region. Under "Operation Chivalrous Knight 3," the UAE executed 73 airdrop missions through its "Birds of Goodness" initiative, delivering over 3,988 tonnes of food and essential supplies.

In Sudan, the UAE pledged US$200 million at a conference held on 14th February 2025 in Addis Ababa. This commitment increased the total Emirati humanitarian aid to Sudan to $3.5 billion over ten years. The UAE's dedication to supporting Sudanese people remains steadfast.

In January 2025, the UAE provided relief to Chad following severe floods by distributing 30,000 food baskets and over 20,000 blankets. Additionally, Somalia received 700 tonnes of urgent food supplies for flood-affected areas. These efforts illustrate the UAE's commitment to assisting countries facing natural disasters.

The UAE also responded swiftly after an earthquake struck Myanmar in March by sending over 200 tonnes of food, shelter supplies and medical aid. Later shipments included more than 167 metric tonnes of relief materials like plastic tarps and equipment for around 80,000 affected individuals.

Firefighting Support and Health Initiatives

On August 11th, specialised teams from the UAE arrived in Tirana, Albania's capital, to assist with firefighting operations across several regions. The UAE contributed aircraft, equipment and firefighting materials as part of its emergency response efforts.

This year saw new global humanitarian initiatives launched by the UAE. The Fathers’ Endowment campaign aims to provide healthcare for underprivileged communities by developing hospitals and securing medicines. Part of its proceeds will support health systems in less fortunate areas.

An agreement between the UAE Aid Agency and Chad's government led to plans for constructing Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Hospital and a dialysis centre in N'Djamena. These facilities will offer advanced health services and therapeutic care for dialysis patients.

Mediation by the UAE between Russia and Ukraine facilitated prisoner exchanges involving 4,349 individuals across 16 operations. This diplomatic effort underscores the country's commitment to fostering peace amid ongoing conflicts.

With inputs from WAM