UAE gives Dh174b in aid over 44 years

Abu Dhabi: The UAE has given more than Dh174 billion in developmental, humanitarian and charity aid over the last 44 years to countries in need around the world, it was announced on Friday.

In recognition of the nation celebrating its 44th National Day, a new report issued by the Ministry of International Cooperation and Development (MICAD) yesterday highlighted the country’s efforts in providing international aid from 1971 to 2014, which covers 21 sectors and 178 countries.

The records released by the ministry show that the largest percentage of aid is concentrated in the government and civil society sector, amounting to Dh80.6 billion, followed by the public programmes support sector with a total of Dh22.5 billion in aid. The value of humanitarian and relief aid in emergency situations accounted for about Dh8.5 billion.

According to statistics, the UAE last year was the largest donor to Yemen with Dh1.3 billion in aid until the end of October last year, including Dh844.2 million of disbursed aid and Dh494.7 million for infrastructure rehabilitation projects to be implemented in Yemen.

The aid was distributed to the provinces of Aden, Lahj, Al Dhali, Abyan, Marib, Shabwa, Hadramout, Al Mahr, and Socotra island.

The total value of UAE aid to Yemen from 1971 to 2015 amounted to Dh6.65 billion.

In response to Syria’s refugee crisis, the UAE donated Dh2.1 billion to support the 1.5 million refugees and displaced people. The country’s contribution was made through the UN Humanitarian Assistance Response Plan inside Syria, and the Regional Refugee Response Plan for Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries like Jordan. At the first, second, and third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria held in Kuwait, the UAE pledged Dh1.7 billion.

During the meetings of the Cairo International Conference on Palestine held in October 2014, the UAE pledged to donate about Dh736 million aimed at the reconstruction of Gaza.

The ministry’s report said that the overall UAE development aid provided to Egypt during the years 2013 and 2014 amounted to nearly Dh29 billion.

The UAE’s assistance also extended to Pakistan, where the UAE Project to Assist Pakistan implemented development and humanitarian projects at a cost of Dh1.175 billion to help those affected by the devastating floods that struck the country in 2010, and to reconstruct the infrastructure, provide humanitarian aid, and establish a new phase in solidarity with the people of Pakistan.