The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a leader in humanitarian aid, religious tolerance and sustainable development in the world. Founded by the visionary leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s foreign aid policy transcends politics, race, religion and is predicated solely on humanitarian objectives.
In 2022, the UAE provided international assistance in the total amount of AED 12.67 billion (USD 3.45 billion), a 12% increase from the previous year. Between 2020 and 2022, the total foreign aid disbursements were AED 34.20 billion (USD 9.31 billion), demonstrating a steadfast commitment to global development and humanitarian assistance.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), mainly centered on SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) represent the ultimate priorities to the UAE’s aid strategy. In 2022 nearly 80% of the UAE’s aid targets were aligned with these global developmental goals.
A large percentage of the UAE’s development assistance is focused on Least Developed Countries (LDCs). In 2022, AED 2.23 billion (USD 607.4 million) of the aid delivered by the UAE went to 15 LDCs. Yemen was the greatest recipient with 43% of aid going to LDCs followed by Ethiopia and Somalia.
Promoting Tolerance and Coexistence
The UAE has shown itself committed to religious tolerance in numerous ways. The UAE appointed a Minister of State for Tolerance and Coexistence, Publicly announced the National Tolerance Programme, passed the Anti-discrimination/Anti-hatred law shows the UAE is committed to creating a space of inclusion and respect.
Moreover, the nation has also established centres to combat extremism and promote moderate perspectives on religion. Collectively, all of this contributes to the UAE’s role as a centre for interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
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Advancing Scientific and Medical Development
The UAE’s foreign aid activities are not limited to short term humanitarian relief but instead support various ongoing development projects especially those relating to science and medicine. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the UAE donated over 2,250 tonnes of medical aid to nearly 136 countries.
In education, the UAE has provided over $200 million to the Global Partnership for Education since 2018 creating a finite effort to limit the capacity to learn globally. These investments can be interpreted with tenets that the UAE believes education is a universal right and a driving force in social and economic progress.
The UAE has made remarkable progress in the science and technology sector
Space: The Emirates Mars Mission (Hope Probe) in reaching Mars’ orbit in 2021 is the first interplanetary mission in the Arab world.
Renewable Energy: The UAE’s investments focused and committed to sustainability particularly with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, position the UAE as a leader in climate change mitigation.
The UAE’s comprehensive approach to foreign aid which includes humanitarian aid, promoting tolerance and financing innovations in science and medicine, positions it as a leading international influence in creating sustainable development and peaceful cohabitation. As it remains committed to these ideals, the UAE is able to continue to solidify its favourable perception internationally as a global player.
