pakistan 
the united arab emirates creates a new humanitarian aid and disaster relief agency
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian aid in November 2022 by sending a major relief operation to Pakistan. The operation involved sending several aid ships carrying 200 containers full of food and medical supplies to help 500,000 families affected by severe flooding in the region. The initiative underlines the UAE’s proactive approach to meeting urgent humanitarian needs in challenging environments.
The establishment of a new agency to lead humanitarian and disaster relief efforts positions the UAE as a valuable partner in global humanitarian initiatives.
The agency’s mission
The agency’s main role is to implement foreign aid programmes in line with general policy on international humanitarian efforts. Its functions include planning, overseeing, implementing and monitoring government support initiatives, with a particular focus on disaster relief, early recovery strategies, post-conflict stabilisation, development initiatives and capacity building efforts.
On the occasion of the establishment of the UAE Aid Agency, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Presidential Court, said that the creation of the UAE Aid Agency was a continuation of the strong humanitarian legacy established by the UAE in the past.
Beyond its efforts in Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates has also been actively involved in delivering aid to Gaza. They recently sent a convoy of humanitarian supplies to the region, including essential items such as food, water and medical equipment. This highlights the importance the UAE places on innovation in its humanitarian efforts, as it seeks to overcome complex logistical challenges to get aid to where it is most needed.
Strategic goals of the agency
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, stated that with the establishment of the UAE Aid Agency, they are reaffirming their commitment to tackling global humanitarian challenges and advancing sustainable development in a strategic and coordinated way. He further explained that the agency aims to amplify the effectiveness of the UAE’s global priority foreign aid, striving to maximize the positive outcomes of humanitarian relief programs, initiatives, and development projects worldwide, in line with the UAE’s influence and status in regional and international humanitarian and development efforts.
The new UAE agency, and its track record in delivering aid to areas such as Pakistan and Gaza, reflect the UAE’s commitment to tackling humanitarian crises through innovative solutions and effective partnerships.
