Over the past decades, the United Arab Emirates has established itself as not only a regional player but also a global power, promoting stability and development through its distinguished humanitarian approach. The vision of its wise leadership has led the UAE to invest in building a unique model of soft power, providing humanitarian and development aid worldwide without regard to race, religion, or geography. Such an approach reflects the deep-rooted values upon which the country was founded, including tolerance and human solidarity, positioning the UAE as a global reference in humanitarian aid. Through its humanitarian efforts, the UAE has significantly strengthened its position as a global soft power, creating a sustainable positive impact.

Humanitarian Foundations of Foreign Policy

The UAE has prioritized humanitarian work as a cornerstone of its foreign policy since its inception. Adopting a comprehensive vision, the nation aims to support those affected by natural disasters, armed conflicts, and poverty. UAE's aid efforts extend beyond traditional emergency relief, encompassing long-term development initiatives such as constructing schools and hospitals, enhancing infrastructure, providing clean water, and bolstering education.

From the union's founding in 1971 until mid-2024, the total value of UAE aid reached an impressive AED 360 billion (approximately US$98 billion), underscoring the country's unwavering commitment to global humanitarian support. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs' annual foreign aid report reveals that in 2023 alone, the nation's foreign aid amounted to approximately $3.178 billion.

Among UAE entities providing foreign aid, "Government aid" led the list, contributing $1.51 billion. The "Abu Dhabi Fund for Development" followed closely, dispensing aid worth $1.1 billion. In third place, the "Emirates Red Crescent" provided substantial support, with aid totaling $144 million.

In 2024, the UAE demonstrated extensive activity in humanitarian work, with the political leadership launching several pioneering initiatives to support the most vulnerable communities worldwide.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, spearheaded the "Zayed Humanitarian Legacy" initiative. Valued at AED 20 billion, the initiative aims to bolster humanitarian efforts in the most needy communities across the globe.

Complementing this effort, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, introduced the "Umrah Fund" campaign. A cornerstone of this campaign is the establishment of an endowment fund worth one billion dirhams, dedicated to supporting sustainable education for millions of individuals globally.

The UAE has taken significant steps to enhance its role in global humanitarian efforts. In November 2024, the country established the "International Humanitarian Affairs Council" to oversee international humanitarian issues. Alongside this, the UAE created the "United Arab Emirates Agency for International Aid," which operates under the council's purview and is responsible for implementing the nation's foreign aid programs. These initiatives have greatly improved the organization and management of relief efforts.

Demonstrating its commitment to strategic partnerships, the UAE allocated $100 million to the Global Alliance to End Hunger and Poverty through the newly established agency. Additionally, the country supported the "Last Mile Health" initiative and contributed AED 55 million to the Global Institute for Elimination of Communicable Diseases (GIDE).

The UAE has also played a prominent role in responding to global disasters and conflicts through various programs and projects. These efforts have strengthened the country's international relations and fostered strategic partnerships with international organizations and major nations. As a result, the UAE has solidified its position as a bridge for communication and cooperation between the East and West.

These humanitarian endeavors have had far-reaching effects, contributing to the fight against extremism by promoting stability and development, while also advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. The UAE has emerged as a global exemplar in leveraging humanitarian work as a soft power tool to effect positive change. Thus, the UAE's comprehensive approach to global humanitarian support has positioned the country as a leader in the field, showcasing how nations can use humanitarian efforts to make a lasting impact on the world stage.

Responding to Global Crises: The UAE's Humanitarian Efforts

The UAE's humanitarian response to regional and global crises is characterized by the following:

1. The Gaza crisis

The UAE launched Operation "The Noble Knight 3" to provide comprehensive humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. This multi-faceted initiative included providing prosthetic limbs for the injured, implementing a polio vaccination campaign for over 640,000 children under ten, and delivering medical and humanitarian aid via air, land, and sea. In addition, the UAE established six desalination plants in the Egyptian city of Arish, serving one million people in Gaza, and repaired damaged water networks and wells in Khan Yunis and northern Gaza. To reach isolated areas, the country initiated the "Birds of Mercy" campaign, airdropping aid to difficult-to-access locations.

2. The Lebanon crisis

In response to the challenges faced by the Lebanese people, the UAE swiftly provided urgent relief aid worth $100 million. Under the national campaign "The UAE Stands with Lebanon," the country dispatched 21 aid planes, including three to Syria, and a ship carrying 2,000 tons of various aid supplies. Furthermore, the UAE extended additional support worth $30 million to assist Lebanese displaced in Syria. Continuing its humanitarian efforts, in October, the UAE sent another aid ship to Lebanon, transporting nearly 3,000 tons of diverse relief supplies.

3. The Sudanese crisis

The UAE stands at the forefront of nations providing crucial humanitarian support to Sudan amidst its multifaceted crises. From armed conflicts to natural disasters, and economic and social upheavals, the UAE has consistently extended its helping hand. At the heart of their efforts lies a commitment to comprehensive humanitarian aid, aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people. In April 2023, when the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces escalated, the UAE's role became even more pivotal. As one of the first countries to respond to Sudan's growing humanitarian needs, the UAE swiftly mobilized to send urgent aid. Their support targeted affected civilians both within Sudan and in neighboring countries that opened their doors to Sudanese refugees. The scale of UAE's commitment is evident in the numbers: since the onset of the recent crisis, their total aid to Sudan has reached approximately $230 million. This figure, however, is just a fraction of their long-term dedication. Over the past decade, the value of UAE's assistance to Khartoum has surpassed an impressive $3.5 billion. Some of the most notable examples of this aid include:

- Urgent relief aid: The UAE dispatched 159 planes, delivering over 10,000 tons of essential supplies. These included urgent food aid, medicines, medical supplies, and shelter materials, aimed at alleviating the suffering of internally displaced persons and refugees in border areas. Large shipments of food, including flour, oil, and grains, were sent to ensure food supplies reached conflict-affected regions.

- Establishing field hospitals: Recognizing the collapse of the health system in many areas, the UAE worked to establish field hospitals in Sudan. Specialized medical teams were deployed to provide urgent care to the injured and sick.

- Receiving refugees and supporting host countries: The UAE demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting Sudan's neighboring countries that received large numbers of refugees. It contributed aid to these countries, ensuring refugees had access to basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Key efforts in this area included:

• At the International Humanitarian Conference on Sudan in Paris (April 2023), the UAE pledged nearly $100 million to support humanitarian efforts. Of this, $70 million was allocated to humanitarian organizations addressing urgent needs in Sudan, while $30 million was directed towards supporting Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries.   
• The UAE announced new humanitarian initiatives in Chad worth $10.25 million, specifically aimed at supporting Sudanese female refugees affected by the crisis.
• In Uganda, the UAE provided nearly 30,000 food baskets to enhance support for Sudanese refugees and worked to improve living conditions in the Kyangwali camp.

4. Humanitarian role in other crises

The UAE's prominent role in supporting global humanitarian causes has earned it a prestigious position on the international stage. Through its efforts, the nation has successfully built a positive global reputation, particularly after becoming one of the world's leading donors of humanitarian aid. These humanitarian endeavors have enhanced the UAE's image as a country committed to achieving peace and sustainable development, thereby strengthening its soft power at the international level.

Moreover, the UAE has forged new partnerships and established global logistics centers, such as the World Health Organization's Emergency Center within its borders. These initiatives further solidify the country's role as a global logistics hub. The nation's soft power has also granted it strong political influence and support for its positions in international forums. 

Beyond reflecting the UAE's strength on the global stage, these achievements affirm its humanitarian commitment to humanity. Consequently, they reinforce the nation's vision of building a safer and more just world for all, cementing its status as a key player in international humanitarian efforts.