Image: WAM/ For illustrative purposes
The UAE has continued to strengthen its position as a leading force in international humanitarian efforts.
In a year marked by significant contributions, the country has remained steadfast in its dedication to improving lives, reducing poverty, and ensuring sustainable development worldwide.
As the UAE celebrated the 53rd anniversary of Eid Al Etihad on December 2, the nation also highlighted its extensive humanitarian activities, which have become a hallmark of its foreign policy since the establishment of the UAE in 1971, reported state news agency, WAM.
By mid-2024, the UAE had allocated Dhs360bn ($98bn) in foreign aid, impacting millions of lives through poverty alleviation, disaster relief, and support for economic and social development.
UAE launches key aid initiatives in 2024
A key milestone this year was the launch of the Dhs20bn Erth Zayed Philanthropies by UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The initiative aims to provide lasting support for communities around the world by focusing on sustainable development, growth, security, and stability. Through this initiative, the UAE aims to empower individuals and foster prosperity in various regions.
In another significant move, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, launched the Mothers’ Endowment campaign.
The Dhs1bn fund, established in honour of mothers in the UAE, will support the education of millions globally, acknowledging the pivotal role mothers play in shaping the future of their children.
The initiative, timed with the holy month of Ramadan, underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering knowledge and empowerment through education.
The UAE’s humanitarian efforts also extended to critical global partnerships. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, announced a $100m allocation through the UAE Aid Agency to support the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.
This move reinforces the UAE’s ongoing mission to combat hunger and poverty while promoting sustainable development and peace worldwide.
In the realm of global health, the UAE’s efforts were further bolstered by the ‘Reaching the Last Mile’ health programme, spearheaded by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
This year, the UAE committed Dhs55m to the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE), continuing its long-standing support for health initiatives that aim to eliminate diseases and improve healthcare systems in the developing world.
Supporting Gaza and Lebanon
The UAE also provided medical aid to those affected by ongoing crises in Gaza and Lebanon. In response to the worsening humanitarian situation, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan ordered the provision of treatment for 1,000 wounded children and 1,000 cancer patients from Gaza at UAE hospitals.
Additionally, the UAE’s Ministry of Defence launched ‘Birds of Goodness’, a mission to airlift humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
The UAE has also dispatched substantial relief packages to Lebanon, including a $100m aid package and continued medical and humanitarian support through the “UAE stands with Lebanon” campaign.
Helping Sudan and other countries around the world
The UAE’s commitment to Sudan and its neighbours was marked by a $100mn pledge in April to support humanitarian efforts in the region.
In September, the UAE also contributed $10.25m in humanitarian projects for UN-supported initiatives in Chad, aimed at supporting women affected by conflict in Sudan.
Furthermore, the UAE has committed $50m to the second phase of the Lives and Livelihoods Fund 2.0 (LLF 2.0), a multi-donor development initiative focused on lifting millions out of poverty in Islamic Development Bank member countries.
Beyond these major initiatives, the UAE’s humanitarian reach spanned numerous countries affected by natural disasters, with assistance extended to nations including Burkina Faso, Brazil, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa, among others.