Leaders of Sudanese clubs and the Sudanese community in the UAE praised the statement issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which reaffirmed the country’s commitment to support the Sudanese people and its residents arriving in the Emirates. They emphasized that the values of generosity are deeply embedded in the hearts of the Emiratis.
They noted that the decree from the Port Sudan authority has caused fear and uncertainty about the future amidst the fact that the UAE hosts hundreds of thousands of Sudanese. The foreign ministry’s statement has brought comfort to the community, many of whom consider the UAE their homeland.
The Sudanese clubs plan to convene within the next few days to bring together all community leaders and board members across the UAE to discuss the challenges posed by the decision from Port Sudan and to contemplate possible steps moving forward.
First Option
Mohammed Bahaa Eldin, president of the Sudanese community in Abu Dhabi and head of the Sudanese Social Club in the capital, expressed his gratitude to the UAE for its strong and clear stance, praising the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations.
He stated that the UAE is the initial and preferred choice for Sudanese seeking to live abroad, a sentiment amplified by the turmoil caused by the war in Sudan. He highlighted that the UAE provides various forms of support to the Sudanese community, including educational, health, and welfare assistance.
He elaborated on the humanitarian efforts of the UAE, which reflect the generosity of its people and wise leadership, tracing back to the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This strong bond has continued under Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and he acknowledged the significant role of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in assisting Sudan and its people, providing refuge for those fleeing the conflict.
Bahaa Eldin continued by mentioning that the UAE has opened its doors to Sudanese residents through the Zayed Foundation for Charitable and Humanitarian Works, providing medical care, education, and housing for needy families. These are significant gestures that underline the leadership’s commitment to making the UAE a refuge for all Sudanese in search of security and stability.
An Overwhelming Joy
Bahaa Eldin noted that the decision from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has brought immense joy to Sudanese families in the Emirates. Many Sudanese gathered at the Abu Dhabi club to express their happiness and support for the ministry’s announcement.
He shared that he has lived in the UAE for decades and never felt like a stranger but always considered it home, asserting that there is no fear for Sudanese in this generous land.
Security and Safety
Aimed Hassan, president of the Sudanese club in Al Ain, stated that the ease of living and the security provided by the UAE has made it a primary destination for the Sudanese community. He noted that since the war began, many Sudanese have been welcomed with open arms and hospitality, and the numbers arriving post-war have far exceeded those present before.
He added that the UAE continues to welcome Sudanese, with many choosing to make it their permanent home over other countries.
Voice of Reason
Professor Abu Bakr Mubarak Abdullah, vice president of the Sudanese community in the UAE, expressed concerns regarding the implications of the statements from the Port Sudan authority. He urged for rational thinking and wisdom to prevail in strengthening bilateral relations for the benefit of both nations, especially considering the substantial efforts of the UAE to support the Sudanese community.
He explained that the UAE has hosted numerous Sudanese since the onset of war, with charitable organizations, particularly the Zayed Foundation for Charitable Works, among the first to extend aid.
He added, “In Ajman alone, we have overseen assistance for nineteen thousand families benefiting from food supplies, school fees, housing costs, regularizing illegal statuses, and processing residency and visa renewals—all without any financial burden on the Sudanese.”
He emphasized that the Sudanese community in the UAE is treated with profound respect and admiration from both the government and the people, thriving in brotherhood and friendship that has been long established, as evident in the foreign ministry’s statement.
Additionally, Mourad Al Zailai, vice president of the Sudanese community in Sharjah, highlighted the enduring relationship laden with love and loyalty between the Emirati and Sudanese peoples, which has stood the test of time, serving as a high model of fraternity and support.
He remarked that Sudanese have found a warm welcome and safe haven in the UAE, experiencing peace and stability under a leadership that prioritizes human welfare.
He noted that the Sudanese community has received generous support from local institutions working tirelessly to meet their needs, reflecting the UAE’s noble values and steadfast principles of assisting neighbors and supporting those in need, a legacy established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Support for the Affected
Engineer Awad Rahma, president of the Sudanese club in Ajman and head of the community there, stated that the humanitarian and charitable policies of the UAE, both domestically and internationally, align with the values and ethics of the Emirati people.
He emphasized that the immediate aid initiated by the UAE from the first day of the conflict in Sudan is clear evidence of the UAE’s humanitarian efforts, mentioning that the Zayed House was among the first to respond to humanitarian calls, mobilizing all necessary resources for relief.
He added that the humanitarian initiatives led by the UAE’s leadership are highly valued by Sudanese both within the UAE and in Sudan, noting that efforts from members of the ruling council and charitable organizations to assist the Sudanese community stem from a genuine affection and respect for the Sudanese people. He remarked, “The relationship between the Emirati and Sudanese peoples is deep-rooted and characterized by mutual love and respect, reinforcing the need for continuous social ties and communication.”
Furthermore, he stated that the Sudanese community in the UAE enjoys a cohesive and harmonious environment, facilitated by state institutions providing advanced services in education, healthcare, and other essential needs, all while appreciating the long-standing and profound relationship between the two friendly nations.