The UAE has established itself as a key player in the global aid regime, especially inAfrican countries. According to the latest statistics, the UAE has provided a large part ofits aid budget of AED 25.11 billion to African countries and thus makes a significantcontribution to fighting humanitarian problems and social and development issues in theregion.UAE’s Generous Aid to AfricaSince its formation, the UAE has always reached out to African nations in times of need.The UAE has allocated 70% of the USD 100 million to African nations in April, and it isconsidered one of Africa’s leading partners.Sectoral Overview of UAE Assistance to AfricaThe UAE’s aid efforts in Africa are multifaceted, encompassing a wide range of sectors:1. Humanitarian Assistance: The UAE has been very active in supportinghumanitarian crises in Africa in one way or the other. This involves giving outfood hampers, clothes, medications, and other basic needs to people who arecaught up in battles, natural calamities, and any other disastrous incidents. Forinstance, the UAE has contributed to the UN WFP and UNHCR in feeding thehungry and supporting the affected persons in the African continent.2. Development Aid: The UAE’s long-term development initiatives in Africaespecially in infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture have been massiveinvestments. This includes the provision of resource mobilization for thedevelopment of schools, hospitals, roads, and irrigation systems.3. Disaster Relief: When disaster has struck in African nations the UAE has beenquick to offer aid in the form of immediate help and help towards thereconstruction of the affected nation. This includes responding to disasters suchas drought, floods, and earthquakes in affected countries.4. Capacity Building: On capacity building, the UAE has been engaging in supportof institution building and enhancing human agency in Africa. This includes;capacity building for government officials and civil society organizations as wellas technical support.
Recent Examples of UAE’s Aid to Africa
● Sudan: The UAE has promised $100 million to Sudan to help cope with the crisisthat has continued in the country for years. This aid will be utilized in deliveringfood, water, medical, and other necessities to millions of affected Sudanesecivilians.
● Yemen: The UAE has so far contributed more than $435 million in aid to Yemensince the beginning. Besides, the UAE has provided humanitarian aid to theYemen amounting to over $ 6 billion since 2015. The UAE has previouslypledged $2 billion in April 2022 to support the Yemeni economy.
● Somalia: The UAE has offered ample support to Somalia, especially in thesectors of education, health, and physical facilities.The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently stepped up the process of itshumanitarian actions in favor of Sudan during the crisis. This is after the conflict in thecountry began in 2023 with the UAE supporting the nation through providing over $3.5billion worth of aid.In an effort to assist the Sudanese people—especially with their current exigentrequirements—the United Arab Emirates has sent 159 aid shipments carrying morethan 10,000 tons of food, medical provisions, and other necessities. Such shipmentshave proven vital to ease the suffering of millions experiencing shortages anddisplacement crises.Besides the domestic assistance, the UAE provides support to the refugees whomSudaneses flee to the other countries of the region. To provide vital medical care, theUAE has established two field hospitals in Chad:
● Amdjarass Field Hospital: Has seen more than 24,741 patients.
● Abeche Field Hospital: Has discharged over 21,761 clients.In April 2023, the UAE committed $100 million more in the course of the InternationalHumanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighboring Countries in Paris. This pledgeincludes:
● $70 million to United Nations humanitarian organizations which are operating inSudan
● $30 million to the region to assist Sudanese refugees
The UAE has been and continues to be an active humanitarian power with a vastnumber of significant and ongoing humanitarian activities, which testify to its goodwilland desire to make people’s lives better and safer in the region.
