Abu Dhabi: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday honoured a number of national humanitarian and charitable organisations during a ceremony organised by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC); Dr Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council (FNC); Lieutenant-General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, were present during the ceremony.

Fifty-three humanitarian and charitable organisations were recognised for their contribution of Dh20 billion in foreign aid in 2017, making the UAE, for the fifth consecutive year, the world’s largest foreign aid donor, according to preliminary data released by the Development Assistance Committee of the OECD.

Addressing the audience, Shaikh Abdullah said the UAE was the world's largest donor of official development aid for the fifth running year, relative to its national income according the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In 2017, the UAE spent 1.31 per cent of its gross national income on foreign developmental aid - almost twice the global target of 0.7 per cent set by the United Nations.

''Achievements made in the humanitarian and developmental work are a source of proud for our nation and a testament to our success - both organisations and individuals - in materialising the aspirations of our generous leadership,'' Shaikh Abdullah said.

''Every organisation operating in the humanitarian and developmental work has put their touch in drawing a beautiful paint for the UAE humanitarian work. We appreciate their prompt response and sympathy to international crises in line with our foreign assistance policy,'' He added.

Recalling the sacrifices of the UAE fallen humanitarian heroes, Shaikh Abdullah said:''These sacrifices will always remain a source of glory and pride to all of us and will live forever in the memory of the nation.'' Sheikh Abdullah also thanked international partners, including the UN humanitarian organisations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the International Committee of the Red Cross which facilitated the humanitarian operations of our relief organisations, especially in disaster-struck regions and areas of tensions that needed the aid most.

''Our celebration coincides with the Year of Zayed, which marks 100 years since the birth of the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who instilled the culture of giving and charity in our people,'' he stated.

At the end of the event, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid congratulated the humanitarian work champions and thanked them for their tireless efforts which catapulted the UAE to the top rank as the world's largest aid donor in 2017.

''We will stay the course of the late founding father, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to promote the culture of giving, love of benevolence and extending the helping hand to those in need, particularly the elderly, women and children, in areas affected by conflicts, tensions and drought,'' Shaikh Mohammad said.