The UAE has emphasised its determination to deliver crucial relief operations across the globe and support aid workers on the front lines of crises in recognition of World Humanitarian Day.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the nation continued to follow the humanitarian path forged by UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
He shared a video on X chronicling the UAE's humanitarian efforts over the years.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, on Sunday hailed the "inspiring efforts" of humanitarian teams seeking to bring fresh hope to lives affected by conflict and disaster.
He said the Emirates, guided by President Sheikh Mohamed and building on the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, would remain steadfast in its commitment to supporting the most vulnerable sections of society.
"We celebrate the remarkable humanitarian contributions made by the UAE, and review its clear commitment to humanitarian work at regional and international levels, and we commend the inspiring efforts made by humanitarian workers in spreading hope among societies suffering from crises," Sheikh Theyab was quoted as saying by state news agency Wam.
He said the UAE would continue to provide urgent relief wherever needed and help to mitigate the challenges faced by civilians.
The UN-led World Humanitarian Day is observed each year on August 19, the date of a 2003 suicide bombing in Baghdad that killed 22, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, then UN high commissioner for human rights and head of the UN mission in Iraq.
The date is marked to recognise the work of humanitarian agencies and workers and highlight the importance of offering a helping hand to people affected by crises.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and chairman of Emirates Red Crescent, said the UAE was intensifying its humanitarian efforts, under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed, to provide a lifeline to civilians affected by disaster and conflict in the region and globally.
He said the UAE was at the top of an international list of donors for humanitarian and development aid, and praised initiatives launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Wam reported.
Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development, said the UAE's humanitarian vision builds on the foundations laid down by Sheikh Zayed.
“Humanitarian work in our country is not just a duty, but rather the basic nucleus for building a cohesive society and a prosperous future for all,” she said.
The UAE, she added, values the integral role of humanitarian workers, describing them as a driving force for bolstering societal stability.
The Emirates offers crucial assistance to needy communities all over the world, including those affected by war in the Gaza Strip and Sudan.
Gaza aid mission
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A ship prepares to leave Fujairah carrying humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. All photos: Chris Whiteoak -
The Whiteland, flying the UAE flag, will arrive at Al Arish port in Egypt in mid-February, before the cargo is moved by road to Rafah and then on to Gaza -
Through the Emirates Red Crescent, the UAE is sending food, medicine, tents, and essentials for women and children -
More than 4,500 tonnes of goods will be delivered to help Palestinians prepare for Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar -
About 154 tonnes of material for building temporary shelters and 87 tonnes of medical aid were stacked high inside the ship’s hold -
The supplies for Gaza have been collected and donated by charitable groups, philanthropists, companies and their employees, and packed by volunteers and workers including Emiratis and residents -
The ship's journey began as President Sheikh Mohamed ordered $5 million in financial aid to support the humanitarian efforts being made to reconstruct Gaza -
Pallets of boxes ready to be transported to Gaza from Fujairah -
The Whiteland prepares to leave Fujairah
The UAE provided more than 33,000 tonnes of urgent supplies to Gaza between November 2023 and June 13 of this year.
Figures released in June by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, showed the aid was delivered by 320 flights, seven ships and 1,243 lorries.
Two hospitals have also been established as part of the UAE's programme to help those in need in Gaza, including one with a centre to provide prosthetic limbs to Palestinians wounded during the war.
The field hospital in the southern Gaza Strip has 200 beds and more than 100 doctors, nurses, pharmacists and lab technicians. It has treated thousands of patients since its launch in December.
A 100-bed floating hospital, docked off the coast of the city of Al Arish since February, had already treated about 2,400 Palestinians by July.
The UAE has welcomed 709 patients from Gaza, along with 787 of their family members, to receive medical treatment and accommodation to date.
This follows a directive by Sheikh Mohamed to provide care for 2,000 injured Gazans, as well as those suffering from cancer.
The UAE's relief efforts in Gaza have received overwhelming support from the public.
More than 24,000 volunteers boxed up 71,000 aid packages in a matter of weeks during a Gaza aid campaign launched in October, shortly after the war with Israel broke out.
Key support for Sudan
The UAE has provided more than $3.5 billion in humanitarian aid to the people of Sudan since 2014, with $230 million coming since the outbreak of civil war in April 2023.
The Emirates has built two field hospitals in Chad to provide medical treatment to Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries.
More than 45,000 patients have received care at the two health centres to date.
Authorities said 159 relief flights had been sent in support of Sudan, loaded with about 10,000 tonnes of food, medicine and other essential supplies.
In June, the UAE allocated its contributions to humanitarian efforts in Sudan by channelling $70 million in aid for UN agencies.
This added to $30 million in donations to support Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries.
Long-term vision
In March, Sheikh Mohamed announced the launch of a Dh20 billion ($5.45 billion) initiative to support humanitarian projects around the world.
The Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Initiative pays tribute to the humanitarian efforts of Sheikh Zayed.
It aims to improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable communities in the world, Wam reported at the time.
