As the UAE commemorates World Humanitarian Day tomorrow, the nation reaffirms its longstanding commitment to humanitarian action, having extended aid valued at more than AED 368 billion ($100.2 billion) to support over one billion people globally since mid-2024.
This milestone highlights the UAE’s pivotal role in delivering critical assistance to populations affected by conflict, natural disasters, and economic hardship.
Leading global support for Gaza
In 2025, the UAE has significantly escalated its efforts in humanitarian relief, particularly in support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. According to United Nations (UN) reports, Emirati aid constituted 44 percent of all international humanitarian assistance delivered to Gaza.
As part of its ongoing mission under “Operation Chivalrous Knight 3”, the UAE conducted 73 airdrop operations through the “Birds of Goodness” initiative, delivering over 3,988 tons of food and essential supplies.
Solidarity with Sudan: $200 million pledge
The UAE has reiterated its unwavering support for Sudan, announcing a $200 million pledge at the High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan in Addis Ababa on 14th February 2025.
Over the past decade, total UAE aid to Sudan has reached $3.5 billion, addressing urgent needs amidst ongoing humanitarian challenges.
Expanded support for Ukraine
The UAE has continued its humanitarian engagement in Ukraine, with the UAE Aid Agency partnering with the Olena Zelenska Foundation to provide $4.5 million in support for orphanages and foster families.
As of February 2025, UAE aid had reached 1.2 million people, including 1 million women and children. Additionally, 16 prisoner exchange operations — mediated by the UAE between Russia and Ukraine — have led to the release of 4,349 prisoners.
Disaster relief across Africa and Asia
The UAE responded swiftly to several natural disasters in 2025. In January, emergency assistance to Chad included 30,000 food baskets and over 20,000 blankets following devastating floods. Aid to Somalia included 700 tons of food for flood-affected regions.
In Myanmar, after a powerful earthquake, the UAE delivered over 200 tons of urgent relief in March, followed by an additional 167 tons of essential supplies to support 80,000 people.
In August, UAE firefighting teams and equipment arrived in Albania to help control widespread wildfires, contributing aircraft and materials to ongoing response operations.
Healthcare initiatives and sustainable humanitarian projects
Beyond emergency relief, the UAE is investing in long-term humanitarian infrastructure. A notable initiative is the Fathers’ Endowment campaign, launched in 2025, which allocates funds to improve healthcare services, supply medication, and support hospital development in underserved communities.
Further, a landmark agreement between the UAE Aid Agency and the Government of Chad will see the construction of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Hospital and a dialysis center in N’Djamena, providing advanced care for dialysis patients and reinforcing health service capacity.
As the world marks World Humanitarian Day, the UAE stands out not only for the scale of its global aid but also for the diversity and depth of its assistance, reaching communities in need across continents and reinforcing its leadership in humanitarian diplomacy and development.
