ABU DHABI: The UAE Stands with Lebanon campaign begins today, October 8, demonstrating the UAE’s strong support for Lebanon. For more than 50 years, the UAE’s leadership and its people have consistently backed Lebanon, especially during challenging times.
Launched by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this campaign will run until October 21 and will involve community members, institutions, and both government and private sectors. It showcases the UAE’s commitment to using all available resources to assist the Lebanese people during these difficult times.
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As part of this initiative, the UAE has sent six planes carrying about 205 tonnes of medical, food, and relief supplies, along with shelter equipment, to help address the humanitarian and health crises, in collaboration with international partners. On September 30, President Sheikh Mohamed approved an urgent relief aid package worth US$100 million for the Lebanese people. Additionally, he ordered six more flights to deliver humanitarian aid, along with a US$30 million package for Lebanese displaced in Syria.
Since 1974, the UAE has a strong history of supporting Lebanon. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan donated US$150 million to finance the Litani project. After the Lebanese Civil War ended in 1990, the UAE funded various initiatives aimed at rebuilding and developing Lebanon, including grants for infrastructure and education.
In 2006, following the war, the UAE launched the ‘UAE Programme for Supporting and Reconstruction of Lebanon,’ providing urgent humanitarian aid and supporting reconstruction efforts, such as rehabilitating schools and hospitals.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE was among the first to assist Lebanon, sending medical aid and establishing a hospital for COVID-19 patients. After the Beirut port explosion in August 2020, the UAE quickly provided essential aid and launched the “Emiratis Volunteer” initiative, encouraging citizens to support Lebanon in its time of need.
