DUBAI // The UAE has come on top of a global list of donors to development projects abroad.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development said on Wednesday that in proportion to its gross national income, the UAE’s aid last year totalled Dh18 billion, or 1.17 per cent of GNI.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, lauded President Sheikh Khalifa’s generosity.
“This confirms the UAE’s commitment to its global development mission and to the principles on which this nation was founded,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
“We will continue to reinforce our position as a global hub for humanitarian relief for all those in need of our help.
“We expect nothing in return for we are driven and guided by the principles of Islam and our Emirati national values.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said the UAE was following the lead set by Sheikh Zayed, the founding President.
“The announcement of the UAE as the world’s largest donor country of official development assistance testifies to the determination and sound vision of our wise leadership, as represented by Sheikh Khalifa, towards joining in international efforts … to help create a better, decent life for humanity.
“Today, we witness the positive outcomes of the UAE’s development projects and humanitarian support channels throughout the world’s regions and countries.
“Such projects and channels were built on the UAE’s humanitarian mission and ethical responsibility towards the needy and the disaster-stricken.”
Sheikh Khalifa said the UAE would continue to play an active role in coordination with all organisations and countries engaged in international development and humanitarian works.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs, said the UAE’s top ranking was evidence of the country’s leadership in setting the agenda for international development.
The UAE was not hindered by its domestic development challenges and continued with its humanitarian role and participation abroad, Sheikh Mansour said.
Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development and head of UAE Committee for the Coordination of Humanitarian Foreign Aid, also thanked the country’s leadership for assistance to people and countries in need.
“No doubt, today we are proud to live on the good soil of the UAE, affirming that the directives of our wise leadership has become a road map and an approach for all UAE humanitarian and development donor organisations,” Sheikha Lubna said.
The OECD’s development assistance committee, which compiled the report, said the latest statistics were part of an initial analysis, The committee said another statement would be released in December after receiving detailed data from member states.
The report said Sweden was second in the list of big donors, giving 1.10 per cent of its GNI; followed by Luxembourg with 1.07 per cent; Norway with 0.99 per cent; Denmark with 0.85 per cent; UK with 0.71 per cent; and the Netherlands with 0.64 per cent.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
