Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
As the UAE marks another milestone in its national journey, its unwavering humanitarian outreach stands tall as a pillar of its international identity, transcending borders, politics and conflict zones.
The UAE has been ranked the third largest donor of humanitarian aid globally for 2025, according to data published by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) through its Financial Tracking Service (FTS), following the United States and the European Union.
Largest Donor in Gaza
The FTS classification showed that the UAE contributed $1.46 billion in humanitarian aid during 2025, representing 7.2% of all aid recorded by the United Nations, contributing in food security, education, emergency shelter, child protection, health and more.
In Gaza, the UAE stands as the largest donor, as nearly half of all reported funding in 2025 has come from the UAE, with $1.3 billion (43.7%) in total contributions so far.
Under "Operation Chivalrous Knight 3", the UAE has provided over Dh9.4 billion in humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.
The UAE has dispatched more than 100,000 tonnes of supplies, 2 million gallons of water, and evacuated nearly 3,000 patients and their companions for treatment in the UAE under the "Operation Chivalrous Knight 3" initiative, Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, recently said.
Last month, the UAE sent its 249th humanitarian aid convoy to the Gaza Strip under "Operation Chivalrous Knight 3", carrying over 195 tonnes of shelter materials and supplies, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The shipment, which includes 2,250 tents transported on 15 trucks, aims to provide urgent relief amid worsening weather conditions and recent rainfall. Prepared at the UAE's logistics centre in Al Arish, the convoy reflects the nation's continued commitment to supporting Palestinians and easing their suffering.
Fahad Saleh Al Harthi, head of the UAE humanitarian aid team in Al Arish, emphasised that these regular deliveries are part of ongoing efforts to address the growing humanitarian needs in Gaza.
Solidarity in Action
Al Hashimy underscored that the UAE's humanitarian approach remains consistent across all regions, rooted in solidarity, human dignity, and a firm commitment to alleviating suffering.
For Sudan, the UAE has allocated more than Dh3 billion in humanitarian assistance over the past two years, remaining one of the largest donors amid ongoing conflict, according to Al Hashimy. Support continues in coordination with the UN and neighbouring host countries housing Sudanese refugees.
Since the establishment of the UAE in 1971 until mid-2024, the UAE's foreign aid reached Dh360 billion, leaving a significant impact on reducing poverty, providing relief after disasters and crises, supporting economic and social development, and promoting international stability and peace.
For the UAE, humanitarian relief represents only one facet of a broader mission – advancing peacebuilding, mediation and fostering long-term stability across regions affected by crises.
The UAE has facilitated the exchange of more than 4,500 prisoners of war between Ukraine and Russia, underscoring its commitment to alleviating the humanitarian consequences of the crisis
The UAE also played a crucial role in mediating one of Africa's most historic peace agreements, the 2018 rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea after two decades of frozen conflict, leveraging its diplomatic credibility and neutrality to facilitate critical conversations between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, culminating in the signing of the Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship in July 2018.
The UAE has consistently been at the forefront of global humanitarian response, as demonstrated by its swift response to the earthquakes that hit Syria and Türkiye in 2023.
Within hours of the disaster, the UN launched a global appeal, and airlifts were dispatched from Dubai's International Humanitarian City (IHC), a key hub for UN agencies like WHO, UNHCR, WFP and UNICEF. Emergency kits, medical supplies, tents, and food were delivered swiftly, demonstrating the UAE's vital role in enabling rapid aid to affected communities through its strategic infrastructure and unwavering commitment to humanitarian relief.
Global Leadership in Humanitarian Response
Speaking to Aletihad, Dr. Khaled Khalifa, Senior Advisor and UNHCR Representative to the GCC countries, praised the UAE's humanitarian commitment, noting that its logistical support was instrumental in reaching millions in need.
"On the occasion of the UAE's 54th National Day, we value our longstanding partnership with the UAE, and its unwavering humanitarian commitment, through its government, NGOs, private sector, and philanthropists, which has been instrumental in supporting those forced to flee," said Dr. Khalifa.
Dr. Khalifa noted that the UAE has supported UNHCR's humanitarian response efforts over the years in Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Bangladesh, and beyond, helping millions access shelter, food, water, healthcare, and livelihoods.
"Thanks to the UAE's logistical support, UNHCR has been able to deliver life-saving aid swiftly and efficiently worldwide, through accelerated airlifts and sea shipments from our largest Global Stockpile in Dubai," he added.
In 2022, the UAE also swiftly responded to the devastating floods in Pakistan by establishing an air bridge and dispatching multiple relief flights and shipments. According to MoFA, Emirati aid ships carrying 200 containers of food and medical supplies arrived to support 500,000 Pakistani families.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the UAE was at the forefront as one of the first countries to support global humanitarian initiatives. The UAE's aid accounted for 80% of the international response to countries struggling to curb the spread of the virus.
By July 2021, the UAE sent a total of 2,154 tonnes of medical aid, ventilators, screening equipment, personal protection equipment and testing kits to 135 countries around the world, and the UAE's in-kind aid to the World Health Organization amounted to $10 million.
