UAE commemorates World Humanitarian Day by highlighting key global aid efforts supporting millions.
ABU DHABI: The UAE will mark World Humanitarian Day by reaffirming its vital role in global aid, supporting vulnerable communities worldwide. By mid-2024, the country’s total foreign assistance surpassed AED368 billion, benefiting more than one billion people—a clear reflection of its long-standing commitment to humanitarian values.
This year’s observance shines a light on the UAE’s emergency responses in conflict zones. The nation provided 44 percent of all international aid delivered to the Gaza Strip, according to UN reports. Through “Operation Chivalrous Knight 3”, and the “Birds of Goodness” campaign, the UAE conducted 73 airdrops, delivering over 3,988 tonnes of critical supplies.
The UAE humanitarian aid pledge also includes support for Sudan. In February 2025, the UAE announced a US$200 million commitment at the High-Level Humanitarian Conference in Addis Ababa, bringing its decade-long aid to Sudan to a total of $3.5 billion.
Ukraine has also received substantial UAE assistance. A partnership with the Olena Zelenska Foundation saw a $4.5 million contribution towards family care centres. UAE aid has so far supported over 1.2 million Ukrainians, mainly women and children. Additionally, the UAE has mediated 16 prisoner exchanges, involving over 4,300 detainees between Russia and Ukraine.
Natural disasters haven’t gone unnoticed either. Emergency relief included food baskets, blankets, and medical aid sent to Chad, Somalia, Myanmar, and firefighting teams deployed to Albania to battle wildfires.
Beyond crisis response, the UAE has launched forward-looking initiatives such as the Fathers’ Endowment campaign and signed a landmark agreement with Chad to build the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Hospital and a dialysis centre in N’Djamena.
On World Humanitarian Day, the UAE’s message is clear: real support, rapid action, and unwavering solidarity.
