On the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, the UAE underscored its commitment to carrying out vital relief missions around the world and supporting relief workers on the frontline of crises.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the country continues to follow the humanitarian path set out by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father.
He shared a video on X documenting the UAE’s humanitarian efforts over the years.
Sheikh Theab bin Mohammed, Vice Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Charitable Council, on Sunday praised the “inspirational efforts” of humanitarian teams to give new hope to people affected by conflicts and disasters.
He said the Emirates, under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohammed, would build on the legacy of Sheikh Zayed and stay true to its commitment to supporting the most vulnerable in society.
“We commend the UAE for its remarkable humanitarian contributions, reaffirm its clear commitment to humanitarian work at the regional and international levels, and commend the inspiring efforts of humanitarian workers to spread hope in crisis-affected societies,” said the country’s Emir Sheikh Sheib, reported by news agency Wam.
He said the UAE will continue to provide much-needed assistance and contribute to mitigating the challenges faced by civilians.
World Humanitarian Day, declared by the United Nations, is celebrated annually on August 19. The day marks the anniversary of a suicide bombing in Baghdad in 2003 that killed 22 people, including Sérgio Vieira de Mello, then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. A look at the UN mission in Iraq.
The day aims to honour the work of humanitarian organisations and aid workers and highlight the importance of extending a helping hand to those affected by crises. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed.
Ruler’s Representative for Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, said the UAE, under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed, is stepping up humanitarian efforts in response to disasters and conflicts in the region and around the world, providing vital assistance to affected civilians.
He said the UAE tops the international list of humanitarian and development donor countries and praised the initiative initiated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, reported Wam newspaper.
Minister of Community Development Shamma Al Mazroui said the UAE’s humanitarian vision is built on the foundations laid by Sheikh Zayed.
“Humanitarian work is not just a duty in our country, but rather a foundation for building a cohesive society and a prosperous future for all,” she said.
The UAE values ​​the essential role of humanitarian workers, she added, saying they are a driving force in strengthening social stability.
Emirates provides vital support to communities in need around the world, including those affected by war in Gaza and Sudan.
The UAE delivered more than 33,000 tons of urgently needed aid to Gaza between November 2023 and June 13 of this year.
According to figures released by the State Department in June, aid was delivered by 320 aircraft, seven ships and 1,243 trucks.
The UAE’s program to support those in need in Gaza has also established two hospitals, including one with a center to provide prosthetic limbs to Palestinians injured in the war.
The field hospital in the southern Gaza Strip has 200 beds and more than 100 doctors, nurses, pharmacists and laboratory technicians. Thousands of patients have been treated there since it opened in December.
The 100-bed floating hospital, anchored off the coast of the town of Al-Arish since February, had already treated around 2,400 Palestinians as of July.
So far, the UAE has received 709 patients and 787 of their family members from Gaza for treatment and accommodation.
This was in accordance with Sheikh Mohammed’s directive to provide treatment to 2,000 injured Gazans and those suffering from cancer.
The UAE’s relief efforts in the Gaza Strip have received overwhelming support from the public.
As part of the Gaza Aid Campaign, launched in October shortly after the outbreak of the war with Israel, more than 24,000 volunteers packed 71,000 aid packages in just a few weeks.
Vital Support for Sudan
The UAE has provided more than $3.5 billion in humanitarian aid to the Sudanese people since 2014, increasing to $23 billion since the outbreak of civil war in April 2023.
Emirates has built two field hospitals in Chad to provide treatment to Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries.
More than 45,000 patients have been treated at the two health centers so far.
Officials said 159 aid flights have been dispatched to support Sudan, transporting around 10,000 tonnes of food, medicine and other essentials.
In June, the United Arab Emirates redirected $70 million in aid to UN agencies to contribute to humanitarian efforts in Sudan.
This is in addition to a $30 million donation to help Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries.
Long-term vision
In March, Sheikh Mohammed announced the launch of a 20 billion dirham ($5.45 billion) initiative to support humanitarian projects around the world.
The Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Initiative will recognise Sheikh Zayed’s humanitarian efforts.
Their goal is to improve the quality of life for the world’s most vulnerable communities, WAM reported at the time.
