International Day of Charity: UAE making philanthropy a sustainable effort as foreign aid surpasses $98 billion

 

The UAE is commemorating the "International Day of Charity" on September 5, having provided over Dh360 billion ($98 billion) in foreign aid since its establishment in 1971 through mid-2024. This reflects the nation's leadership in fostering sustainable and inclusive philanthropy.

For decades, the UAE has extended significant assistance to countries and communities worldwide, aiming to reduce poverty, promote social and economic development, alleviate the impacts of disasters, and contribute to global peace and security.

The International Day of Charity is an annual event dedicated to enhancing global solidarity. It underscores the importance of supporting essential public services like health, education, and housing while assisting global communities in urgent need.

Guided by its core values of generosity, solidarity, and volunteerism, the UAE has consistently provided aid to those affected by conflicts, disasters, and crises, regardless of race, religion, or nationality.

Inspired by its Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's strong commitment to charity has continued under the leadership of President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. The Ninth Principle of the "Principles of the 50" emphasizes that foreign aid is an integral part of the UAE’s moral duty and vision, free from religious, racial, cultural, or political considerations.

The UAE has spearheaded numerous significant humanitarian campaigns, such as the "For Your Sake, Somalia" initiative in 2017, aid for Rohingya refugees in 2019, and the "Bridges of Giving" campaign in 2023 for earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey.

Recently, the UAE launched the "Tarahum for Gaza" campaign to assist Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict, contributing 27% of the total humanitarian aid sent to the region. As part of its Chivalrous Knight 3 operation, the UAE has set up field hospitals, a floating hospital, bakeries, and desalination plants for Gazans, while also facilitating medical treatment for 1,000 injured individuals in Emirati hospitals.

Charitable giving is deeply ingrained in the UAE's culture. In 2018, the country committed $50 million to fund the restoration of heritage sites in Mosul, Iraq. In 2021, it pledged another $3 million to post-conflict reconstruction efforts.

The UAE has also played a key role in humanitarian aid to Sudan, allocating $70 million to UN agencies and humanitarian organizations to help address the crisis there.

Following recent severe floods in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul, the UAE swiftly dispatched urgent relief supplies. Brazilian President Lula expressed his gratitude to the UAE for its timely assistance.