While the UAE has supported the Philippines in times of crisis, it is also helping fund sustainable development in the country.

The UAE was at the forefront of the mission to aid in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013, which claimed at least 6,300 lives.

In line with the directives of President of the UAE Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed, the UAE provided support and assistance programess and projects worth Dh36.7 million) to the country.

In 2014, the support has increased reaching Dh75.8 million as humanitarian assistance to the affected population in the affected islands.

According to a United Nations report, this assistance has been provided in the form of food items, hygiene products and other relief items and different administrative cost along with other construction and rehabilitation grants.

The assistance has been provided through Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, the Emirates Red Crescent and Mohammad Bin Rashid Foundation and other platforms.

The UAE has also been an active supporter of sustainable development programs for Pacific Island countries.

In March 2013, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Chairman of ADFD, launched a partnership programme with the Pacific Ocean Islands organisation through a grant of Dh183.6 million to finance renewable energy projects in those countries.

Another significant project was a 500 kilowatt solar power plant in Fafa Island, Tonga, which cost of Dh18.37 million ($ 5 million), the ADFD annual report said.

Future energy organisation Masdar has also announced plans to establish solar and wind power projects in Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, which are due to be finished later this year.