UAE announces establishment of humanitarian aid agency in historic move

President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has issued Federal Decree No. 27 of 2024, establishing the UAE Aid Agency under the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council.

The new agency will operate as an independent legal entity with full authority to carry out foreign aid initiatives aligned with the UAE’s global humanitarian objectives.

The UAE Aid Agency’s mandate includes planning, managing, and executing foreign aid programs, with a strong emphasis on disaster relief, early recovery, post-conflict stabilization, sustainable development, and capacity building. It will oversee and monitor official government support in regions facing critical humanitarian needs.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, highlighted that this initiative continues the humanitarian vision established by the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

“This agency reflects the UAE’s commitment to addressing humanitarian challenges and fostering sustainable development worldwide under the wise guidance of President Sheikh Mohamed,” he stated, underscoring the UAE’s enduring dedication to humanitarian endeavors.

Similarly, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, affirmed that the agency underscores the UAE’s role in enhancing living standards and providing vital support to communities globally.

The UAE’s robust humanitarian contributions are recognized globally, with the nation providing over $98 billion in aid to date, positively impacting over a billion people across the world. The UAE Aid Agency further cements this legacy by expanding and formalizing the nation’s approach to global humanitarian support.