The UAE: A Leader in Sustainable Development Goals with a Humanitarian Focus
The United Arab Emirates will celebrate World Humanitarian Day tomorrow, observed annually on August 19. This occasion reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the legacy of giving and assistance established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The UAE has solidified its status as a global capital for humanitarian efforts and charitable initiatives, emerging as a prominent model for humanitarian and developmental work worldwide.
Thanks to its innovative initiatives and continuous efforts, the UAE continues to extend help and support to those in need, embodying selflessness and the universal principles of humanitarian work. The nation demonstrates its commitment to global humanitarian issues while striving to achieve sustainable development objectives through charitable and developmental contributions, alleviating the effects of challenging circumstances faced by various nations due to crises and disasters.
A Long Journey
The UAE’s contributions to humanitarian efforts reflect a long-standing tradition of giving that transcends geographical boundaries and ethnic or religious considerations. Over the decades, the country has developed a comprehensive system for charitable and humanitarian work, positioning it among global leaders in donor assistance and a frontrunner in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
This commitment is showcased through various initiatives and charitable organizations.
The UAE’s approach and humanitarian efforts highlight that commemorating this day symbolizes a renewed pledge to ongoing humanitarian service and embodies the leadership’s belief that giving is a fundamental value in building nations and their international relationships. The UAE continues its endeavors to assist victims of conflict and hardship, particularly through the humanitarian mission “Gallant Knight 3,” which aims to support the Palestinian people in Gaza. The country’s constant efforts focus on halting violence, protecting civilians, and fostering peace, while also providing humanitarian aid and medical support to Gaza residents through field hospitals and care for hundreds of patients.
Additionally, the UAE launched the “Compassion for Gaza” campaign, engaging over 24,000 volunteers who prepared 71,000 locally sourced relief supply baskets.
The UAE also extends its humanitarian and relief efforts to support those affected by the conflict in Sudan, providing food, medical, and logistical assistance to both internally displaced individuals and refugees in neighboring countries. Furthermore, the UAE actively participates in political and diplomatic efforts to support peaceful resolutions by facilitating dialogues among conflicting parties to achieve a comprehensive and lasting solution.
Since 2015, the UAE has contributed $3.5 billion in aid to the Sudanese people, reinforcing its commitment to helping those in crisis.
The UAE’s response to humanitarian appeals worldwide is met with great respect and appreciation in international forums, as its rapid and effective approach demonstrates high professional standards in planning and execution to assist those affected efficiently, prioritizing humanitarian needs over other considerations.
Since its establishment, the UAE has adopted a foreign and humanitarian policy focused on providing aid to all who are in need globally, which has placed it among the top countries for international aid, leading in official development assistance relative to its national income. This commitment reflects a vision from its leadership, who view humanitarian work as an integral part of the nation’s identity and global mission.
Initiative
In line with the humanitarian values established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has launched the “Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Initiative,” allocating 20 billion dirhams for humanitarian work in the world’s most needy communities.
As part of this initiative, the “Global Hospitals Program” was established, aiming to build 10 hospitals over the next decade to meet the specialized healthcare needs of beneficiary communities with an estimated funding of around 550 million dirhams.
Foundation Launch
Coinciding with Zayed Humanitarian Day in March 2025, the “Mohammed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanitarian Impact” was inaugurated to enhance human capabilities, support global health priorities, and create opportunities for the most disadvantaged communities worldwide while promoting sustainable global health efforts and comprehensive development for all by investing in promising solutions that empower individuals and communities.
In the same vein, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Prime Minister, initiated the “Father’s Endowment” campaign in February 2025, aimed at honoring fathers in the UAE through the establishment of a sustainable endowment fund of one billion dirhams, dedicated to providing medical treatment and care for the poor, needy, and those unable to afford it.
The humanitarian efforts of the UAE are consistently characterized by a swift response to disasters and crises. The country quickly dispatched urgent relief supplies to earthquake and flood victims in nations including Turkey, Morocco, Libya, and Pakistan via air and sea bridges laden with food, medical supplies, and shelter.
Moreover, the UAE has implemented projects to build and equip hospitals and medical centers in countries like Yemen, Sudan, and Afghanistan, along with providing medical teams and free treatment initiatives for those in need.
In addition, the UAE has funded development and agricultural projects in Africa and Asia to bolster food security and enable local communities to achieve self-reliance, contributing to the establishment of camps and providing temporary housing, along with education and rehabilitation programs for refugee children in conflict areas.
A Humanitarian Vision
The UAE continues its humanitarian pathway guided by a long-term strategic vision, characterized by a steadfast commitment to assisting nations facing crises and disasters through providing urgent aid, emergency food shipments, and specific support for vulnerable groups such as women and children, along with strategic initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable development on a global scale.