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  In times of global crisis, the true character of a nation is revealed not by its words, but by its actions. This week, the world witnessed a powerful demonstration of international solidarity as the United Arab Emirates launched a rapid and comprehensive response to the devastating earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan. The powerful tremors left a trail of destruction, claiming lives, injuring thousands, and displacing countless families. In the critical hours following the disaster, as the international community assessed the scale of the tragedy, the UAE moved with decisive speed. Under the direct directives of His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the nation mobilized its resources. The UAE's operation was not a simple donation; it was a multi-faceted mission designed to address the most urgent needs on the ground. The first pillar of this response was the immediate deployment of a specialized search and rescue team. This team was a coordinated effort...

  Gaza’s humanitarian crisis has reached a breaking point. For years, its residents have faced a dire shortage of clean water and limited access to life-saving healthcare. Now, recent initiatives launched by the United Arab Emirates are offering a much-needed lifeline—addressing both survival and health through bold and timely actions. A Lifeline of Water from Egypt to Gaza Access to water in Gaza has long been a struggle. Families are forced to ration their daily intake, often relying on unsafe or limited sources. To respond to this urgent need, the UAE has begun constructing a water pipeline that will run from a desalination plant in Egypt directly into the Al-Mawasi area of Gaza. Once operational, this project is expected to bring daily clean water to hundreds of thousands of residents who desperately need it. Each person will receive a guaranteed supply designed to help cover basic needs—drinking, cooking, and hygiene. Importantly, the system will function independently of Isra...

  The Art of Compassionate Diplomacy in an Age of Crisis As the world marks  World Humanitarian Day 2025  under the theme "Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities," one nation's extraordinary commitment to alleviating human suffering demands closer examination. The United Arab Emirates has not merely participated in global humanitarian efforts; it has redefined what constitutes meaningful international solidarity through a blend of immediate crisis response and long-term sustainable development. The numbers themselves tell a story of unprecedented commitment:  AED 368 billion ($100.2 billion)  in aid delivered since mid-2024, reaching  over one billion people across 81 countries  through coordinated efforts that blend emergency response with sustainable development. This achievement represents perhaps the most comprehensive humanitarian mobilization by any nation in modern history. The Foundation: A Legacy of Giving The UAE's h...

  In a significant diplomatic development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel have agreed to facilitate the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. This agreement, announced on May 21, 2025, follows a phone call between UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Details of the Aid Initiative The initial phase of the aid plan aims to address the immediate needs of approximately 15,000 civilians in Gaza. The assistance package includes: Food aid to combat widespread hunger. Essential supplies for bakeries , ensuring the continued production of bread. Critical items for infant care , addressing the needs of the youngest and most vulnerable. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of a continuous supply to meet the ongoing needs of civilians in the region. Context and International Response The agreement comes amid escalating concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since early Marc...

 As Ramadan 2025 unfolds, the UAE is launching a range of humanitarian campaigns that highlight its commitment to global compassion. These initiatives reflect the nation's deep-rooted values of philanthropy and tolerance, addressing urgent humanitarian needs during this holy month. Under Operation Gallant Knight 3, the UAE has pledged to donate 100 tonnes of food supplies and 5,000 copies of the holy Quran to support those impacted in the Gaza Strip. This initiative, launched prior to the start of Ramadan, aims to provide essential relief to Palestinian families facing a humanitarian crisis. Furthermore, the Emirates Red Crescent's Ramadan programs are set to reach 4.5 million individuals across 53 countries, offering Iftar meals, Zakat al-Fitr, Eid clothing, and emergency food provisions. The International Charity Organisation has also initiated a Ramadan campaign focusing on various humanitarian projects, including Iftar meals and orphan sponsorship. Meanwhile, Sharjah Charit...

  On Friday, the UAE continued its extensive humanitarian mission, dispatching 257 tonnes of Ramadan food supplies to Gaza under Operation Gallant Knight 3. This latest shipment adds to the 37,300 tonnes of aid that the Gulf nation has provided to Palestinians since the crisis escalated. The UAE was among the first nations to mobilize aid following the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023. In addition to humanitarian efforts, the country has consistently advocated for diplomatic solutions to end the conflict and restore stability to the region. By combining humanitarian assistance with diplomatic efforts, the UAE underscores its commitment to supporting Gaza’s people while working toward long-term peace.

The United Arab Emirates has launched a significant humanitarian initiative, committing $30 million in emergency funds to assist Lebanese civilians displaced in Syria due to ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon. This immediate relief is part of a broader $100 million aid package pledged by the UAE to support Lebanon during this crisis. UAE President Mohammed Bin Zayed has authorized six additional flights to transport aid shipments into Lebanon. This response addresses urgent humanitarian needs following the attacks on southern Lebanon, eastern regions, and Beirut, which have resulted in over 1,000 fatalities and forced hundreds of thousands to flee to northern Lebanon or across the border into Syria. Recent statistics indicate that approximately 100,000 refugees have crossed from Lebanon into Syria, many of whom were Syrians that had previously sought asylum in Lebanon during their own civil war. Notably, many of the newly displaced individuals are finding refuge in areas of northern an...

In line with the directives of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, President of the UAE, the Gulf nation has launched a national relief campaign to assist Lebanon and its people amid ongoing escalations, according to a statement from the foreign ministry. Following His Highness's order to provide an urgent humanitarian relief package of $100 million to Lebanon, the UAE dispatched an aid plane on Friday carrying 40 tonnes of essential medical supplies. This aircraft marks the first delivery as part of the campaign. The UAE has expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in Lebanon and its implications for regional stability. The country has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Lebanese people as they navigate these challenges. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member has taken a strong stance in favor of Lebanon's unity, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity, urging increased global efforts to halt the escalation, prevent bloodshed, and protect civilians. Th...

  The UAE has consistently demonstrated its commitment to humanitarianism, playing a vital role in providing global aid during times of crisis. From delivering essential supplies to Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and supporting search operations after the devastating Turkey earthquake to pledging significant aid for Sudan, the UAE’s actions underscore its dedication to humanitarian efforts. A leading contributor, the UAE has provided 27% of the total aid to Gaza, also setting up a field hospital in the territory. On Global Humanitarian Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need to protect humanitarians and civilians, calling attention to the disregard for international humanitarian rules. Generosity, deeply rooted in Emirati culture, is fostered by the nation’s leadership. HH Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed, Chairman of the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO), highlighted the importance of global alliances and compassion in tackling ...

  The Union Association for Human Rights recently held a seminar on the role of human rights mechanisms in the context of armed conflicts. The event, organized in collaboration with the Arab-European Human Rights Dialogue and various international organizations, highlighted the UAE’s commitment to  humanitarian aid  and its initiatives to ensure fundamental rights, such as life and health, for individuals affected by conflicts. Key initiatives include enhancing water and food security, developing hospitals, providing healthcare support, and offering treatment to the injured. The UAE has also collaborated with UNICEF and other UN bodies to support these efforts. The UAE has actively supported Resolution 2720, which calls for increased  humanitarian aid  to Palestinians in Gaza and protection of UN personnel and humanitarian workers during conflicts. The seminar advocated for the development of international mechanisms to protect civilians during conflicts, includ...

  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sent 50 tonnes of food supplies to Ukraine during the  holy month of Ramadan , demonstrating its commitment to providing relief and aid to those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The aid was sent to Poland for transfer to Ukraine, as part of the UAE’s broader relief efforts, which include a $100 million donation and an air bridge delivering essential supplies to affected areas. The UAE’s mission in Poland oversees the transfer of aid to Ukraine, ensuring that it reaches those most in need and is distributed efficiently. The  UAE’s commitment  to humanitarian aid extends beyond the delivery of food supplies, as it has also established an air bridge to deliver essential supplies to affected areas. The UAE’s dispatch of aid to Ukraine during the holy month of Ramadan highlights its commitment to supporting and assisting those in need, regardless of the time of year. Maryam bint Mohammed Al Muhairi, Head of the Internationa...

  The UAE has strongly supported the UN Security Council’s resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan, despite the US abstaining from the vote. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the US of stepping back from a “principled position” by allowing the controversial vote to pass despite the absence of conditions concerning the release of hostages by Hamas. Official statements suggest that the  US abstained  because the UN resolution did not condemn Hamas militants and officials chose not to veto the proposal as “it does fairly reflect our view that a ceasefire and the release of hostages come together.” During Ramadan 2024, the UAE has significantly increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. On March 25, the UAE Air Force and the Royal Jordanian Air Force carried out a  joint airdrop of food aid  into the strip, delivering 22 tonnes of relief supplies. This is part of the “Chivalrous Knight 3” initiative, which aims to bolster assistan...

  The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with tens of thousands of Palestinian families and children in desperate need of basic necessities. Israeli attacks have claimed over 30,700 lives and injured many others. The EU, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Cyprus, the UAE, UK, and the US announced their intent to  open a maritime corridor  to deliver additional humanitarian assistance to Gaza by sea. The Cyprus-led initiative, ‘Amalthea’, is set to boost humanitarian aid deliveries, which have been severely constricted by the land routes controlled by Israel since the outbreak of the fighting. The maritime corridor can make a real difference to the plight of Palestinians and is due to formally open soon. The first pilot operation is expected to leave either on Saturday or Sunday, depending on the availability of appropriate conditions. The countries are prepared to assess and adjust their efforts, and the corridor should be part of a sustained effort to increase...

  UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs,  Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has called on UNRWA  to ensure urgent, intensive, safe, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian, relief, and medical aid to Palestinian people in Gaza. The call comes amid increasing controversy over UNRWA employees’ alleged role in the Hamas attack on October 7, which killed around 1,300 people. The Israeli-Hamas war has been ongoing since October 7, with Israel launching retaliatory strikes and claiming at least 26,000 lives. The call came amid increasing controversy over some  UNRWA employees’  alleged role in the Hamas attack. UN Secretary-General Guterres has expressed his horror at the allegations, noting that nine of the 12 implicated individuals were immediately identified and terminated by Lazzarini. The UAE minister commended the agency’s prompt action to investigate the accusations and called upon donor countries that have suspended their funding to UNRWA to reconsider their dec...