From war zones to disaster sites, UAE delivers billions of dirhams of humanitarian aid
From delivering thousands of tonnes of aid to Gaza and Sudan to helping communities struck by earthquakes, floods, hunger and disease, the UAE has expanded its humanitarian work across some of the world’s most urgent crises in 2026. The scale of the country’s humanitarian campaigns comes into focus as the UAE marks World Humanitarian Day on Wednesday. Billions of dirhams have been committed to…
In 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been actively involved in providing humanitarian aid across various global crises, marking significant contributions to some of the world's most pressing issues. As the country observes World Humanitarian Day, the scope of its humanitarian efforts becomes evident, with billions of dirhams committed to relief operations throughout the year.
Among the notable initiatives is the Edge of Life campaign, spearheaded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, which raised over Dh2.82 billion to combat childhood hunger. This campaign reached more than five million beneficiaries.
The UAE's humanitarian aid has been extensive, with operations spanning Gaza, Sudan, and various natural disaster zones across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Sheikh Mohammed also launched an initiative to eradicate river blindness, targeting seven million direct beneficiaries and an additional 35.4 million indirectly over three years.
Educational programs are another cornerstone of the UAE's international assistance, with the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation opening a vocational institute in Senegal, benefiting approximately 1,000 students through technical and vocational training.
The Emirates Red Crescent's Ramadan programmes have reached over 1.5 million people across the UAE and 44 other nations, providing relief to disadvantaged communities. The International Charity Organisation has implemented humanitarian projects worth more than Dh353 million in the first half of 2026, covering critical areas such as healthcare, education, food, water, and emergency assistance.
The Zayed for Good Foundation, celebrating its 34th anniversary, has extended its support to more than 180 countries since 1992, with assistance exceeding Dh2 billion, focusing on relief, food security, community development, infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
The UAE's humanitarian efforts also extend to conflict zones, with Operation Gallant Knight 3 in the Gaza Strip entering its 1,000th day of relief. This operation has provided over $3.89 billion in aid, including more than 126,000 tonnes of relief items, medical and food supplies delivered through over 770 flights, 25 ships, and 13,000 lorries.
The Step of Hope campaign has provided prosthetic limbs to 72 amputees in Gaza. Additionally, the UAE has supported the Sudanese people, contributing approximately $4.24 billion in assistance between 2015 and 2025, with over $800 million provided since the current crisis began in 2023. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the UAE ranks as the second-largest donor of aid to Sudan after the United States.
Furthermore, the UAE has played a mediating role in facilitating 25 prisoner exchanges involving 7,791 individuals between Russia and Ukraine, showcasing its commitment to global peace and humanitarian causes.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
