The UAE has launched a new aid agency to spearhead its efforts in addressing humanitarian crises and providing disaster relief.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has enacted Federal Decree No. 27 of 2024, establishing the UAE Aid Agency, which will operate under the auspices of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council. This agency will further possess an independent legal identity and full legal authority to function.
Mission and responsibilities
The primary role of the agency is to implement foreign aid programs that align with the overarching policy concerning international humanitarian efforts. Its duties encompass planning, supervising, executing, and monitoring government support initiatives, with special emphasis on disaster relief, early recovery strategies, post-conflict stabilization, development initiatives, and capacity-building efforts.
Continuation of a humanitarian legacy
On the occasion of the UAE Aid Agency’s establishment, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, expressed that the creation of the UAE Aid Agency signifies the continuation of the strong humanitarian legacy established by their Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He further noted that this initiative exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to tackling humanitarian challenges and promoting sustainable development on a global scale. He also emphasized that the nation pursues this mission under the insightful leadership and unwavering support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reaffirming the dedication of the leadership, government, and citizens to advancing this noble humanitarian mission.
Commitment to global humanitarian efforts
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, remarked that the launch of the UAE Aid Agency underscores the UAE’s humanitarian role in delivering essential aid, enhancing living conditions, and supporting communities and individuals across all regions. He highlighted the UAE’s resolve to work alongside international partners to create a meaningful and enduring positive impact, particularly in areas afflicted by crises and instability, focusing on critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure to foster sustainable development and prosperity for all.
Strategic goals of the agency
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, stated that with the establishment of the UAE Aid Agency, they are reaffirming their commitment to tackling global humanitarian challenges and advancing sustainable development in a strategic and coordinated way. He further explained that the agency aims to amplify the effectiveness of the UAE’s global priority foreign aid, striving to maximize the positive outcomes of humanitarian relief programs, initiatives, and development projects worldwide, in line with the UAE’s influence and status in regional and international humanitarian and development efforts.
UAE’s generosity in foreign aid
The UAE is recognized as one of the most generous donor nations worldwide. Recent statistics indicate that since its founding by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE has contributed over $98 billion (AED360 billion) in foreign aid, benefiting more than one billion people around the globe.
New decree establishing the Board of Trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies
Last week, the UAE President issued Federal Decree No. 142 of 2024 forming the Board of Trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies under the chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council.
Furthermore, as per the Decree, the Board of Trustees includes Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of The Founder’s Office; Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the President’s Office for Strategic Affair and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office; Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development and member of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council; Rashid Saeed Al Ameri, Advisor at the President’s Office for Strategic Affairs; Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development Affairs and International Organisations and member of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council; and Saeed Rashid Al Zaabi, Advisor to the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, emphasized the UAE’s commitment, under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed, to continue enriching future humanitarian, charitable and developmental work on the international scene and foster a culture of giving both within the UAE and internationally.
Fujairah provides 530 tons of aid for ‘UAE Stands with Lebanon’
On Saturday, the Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi Foundation for Humanitarian Affairs and the Fujairah Charity Association delivered 530 tons of food supplies as part of the “UAE Stands with Lebanon” relief campaign.
The campaign was launched in early October under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and followed by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council.
UNHCR relief supplies for conflict-displaced people in Lebanon
On Sunday, Dubai Humanitarian has mobilized urgent relief supplies for people directly affected by the conflict in Lebanon. Moreover, the relief material provided by the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, totals 192 metric tons. Transportation by land allows for a larger volume of supplies to be efficiently dispatched.
Additionally, a convoy comprising 27 trucks, funded by Dubai Humanitarian’s Global Humanitarian Impact Fund, commenced the operation on 4 November. The mission further aims to ensure swift and organized distribution of aid to distressed communities in Lebanon as the approaching winter heightens the need for accelerating humanitarian interventions.
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