The United Arab Emirates continues to consolidate its position at the forefront of the global humanitarian and relief landscape, drawing on a rich legacy of generosity established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, and advancing under its wise leadership a sustained humanitarian journey that places human dignity and welfare above all else.
The launch of the “End of Life” campaign by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the State, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai — may God protect him — in partnership with international organizations, with the aim of saving five million children from the risk of death due to hunger and malnutrition, represents a clear affirmation of the UAE’s steadfast humanitarian approach, founded on swift initiative to provide relief to those in distress and to alleviate the suffering of the needy across the world.
Humanitarian Work as a National Commitment
Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, the country affirms that humanitarian action is not a temporary response to emergencies, but a fundamental pillar of its national and foreign policy. It is built on the collaboration of government entities, institutions and civil society to advance sustainable development in a world increasingly affected by conflicts and natural disasters.
This direction has been strengthened through an integrated institutional framework, including the establishment of the International Humanitarian Affairs Council in 2024 and the creation of the UAE Aid Agency to coordinate and implement external assistance programs in line with global best practices.
AED 368 Billion in Aid Over Five Decades
Since the formation of the Union in 1971 through mid-2024, the UAE has provided more than AED 368 billion (approximately USD 98 billion) in foreign assistance, benefiting over one billion people worldwide. These figures underscore the country’s deep commitment to poverty alleviation, development support and global stability.
For several consecutive years, the UAE ranked first globally as the largest donor of foreign aid relative to its gross national income, reaffirming its unwavering dedication to humanitarian values beyond political or geographic considerations.
“Gallant Knight 3”.. Major Support for Gaza
In the Gaza Strip, the UAE has been among the first responders in support of the Palestinian people through the “Gallant Knight 3” operation, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him. According to United Nations reports, Emirati assistance accounted for approximately 46% of the total international aid delivered to the sector.
The operation included 737 relief flights and 24 aid ships departing from UAE ports, Al Arish Port and Cyprus, in addition to the entry of nearly 10,000 trucks loaded with food supplies, medical aid and shelter materials. As of January 2026, the total value of assistance reached USD 2.6 billion, including USD 1.6 billion in 2025 alone.
Humanitarian Initiatives from Ukraine to Sudan
Beyond Gaza, the UAE extended its support to the Ukrainian people through a cooperation agreement between the UAE Aid Agency and the Olena Zelenska Foundation to establish care centers for orphans and foster families. The initiative contributed USD 4.5 million and benefited more than 1.2 million people.
In Sudan, the UAE has provided over USD 4.24 billion in assistance since 2015, including USD 784 million since the outbreak of the crisis in 2023. The country ranked among the top international donors, contributing 17.7% of the recorded humanitarian funding, and pledged an additional USD 500 million during the recent donors’ conference.
Rapid Response to Natural Disasters
The UAE has consistently demonstrated swift and effective responses to natural disasters worldwide. In 2025, it dispatched aid to Chad, including 30,000 food baskets and 20,000 blankets following floods, and shipped 700 tons of food supplies to Somalia.
It also delivered more than 367 tons of food and medical assistance to Myanmar after the earthquake, while Emirati teams participated in firefighting efforts in Albania in support of emergency response operations.
Strategic and Sustainable Humanitarian Initiatives
At the strategic level, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, launched the “Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Initiative” in 2024 with a value of AED 20 billion to support the world’s most vulnerable communities. The initiative includes the “UAE Global Hospitals Program,” which aims to build 10 new hospitals over the next decade.
Meanwhile, in February 2025, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the “Father’s Endowment” campaign to establish a sustainable endowment fund worth AED 1 billion dedicated to supporting healthcare services and medical treatment for underprivileged individuals.
High Readiness in Major Crises
The UAE has also proven its logistical and operational readiness in responding to major disasters, including the “Gallant Knight 2” operations to assist Türkiye and Syria after the February 2023 earthquake, support for the Kingdom of Morocco following the September earthquake, and aid to Libya after Storm Daniel.
Additionally, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed the provision of urgent assistance worth USD 100 million to the Lebanese Republic and USD 30 million to support displaced persons in Syria. The aid included 18 aircraft carrying 772 tons of supplies, as well as a ship loaded with 2,000 tons of relief materials.
AED 2.2 Billion from Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives
In 2024, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives allocated more than AED 2.2 billion to development and humanitarian projects across education, healthcare, community empowerment and quality of life improvement in dozens of countries. These efforts included building and equipping hospitals and medical centers in Yemen, Sudan and Afghanistan, in addition to deploying medical teams and organizing free treatment campaigns.
A Humanitarian Message Without Borders
The UAE’s humanitarian outreach extends across continents without discrimination based on race, religion or geography. Its assistance has reached more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, including the Philippines, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Nepal, Mauritania, Yemen, Afghanistan and Chad.
Support has ranged from food and medical aid to sustainable development projects, well drilling, and the construction of schools and hospitals, alongside air and sea bridges delivering relief during times of crisis.
Through this comprehensive and sustained approach, the United Arab Emirates reaffirms that humanitarian action is a moral responsibility and a permanent commitment embedded in its national identity and the vision of its leadership, ensuring that the UAE remains a prominent name in the global record of giving.
