UAE ranked world’s third-largest humanitarian donor for 2025

Abu Dhabi: The UAE has been named the third-biggest contributor of humanitarian aid in 2025, according to new data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). The figures, published through its Financial Tracking Service (FTS), highlight the country’s continued rise as a major global supporter of relief and development efforts.

UNOCHA reported that the UAE provided $1.46 billion in humanitarian assistance this year, accounting for 7.2% of all aid recorded by the UN. Total global contributions reached $20.28 billion. Only the United States and the European Union ranked higher, placing the UAE ahead of all other donor nations.

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, said the ranking reflects the UAE’s steady commitment to humanitarian work under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Sheikh Theyab stressed that the country’s approach is built on principles of solidarity, cooperation, and sustainable development. He said the UAE’s humanitarian mission serves people in need “regardless of origin, race, religion, belief, or geography”.

He noted that the UAE has consistently responded to crises, natural disasters, and emergencies across the world, easing suffering in vulnerable communities. This, he added, carries forward the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and follows the guidance of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

Alongside emergency assistance such as food, medicine, shelter, and clothing, the UAE also supports longer-term recovery. Its programmes cover key sectors including healthcare, education, energy, and infrastructure, helping countries rebuild and move towards sustainable development.

This wide-ranging support aligns with the ninth of the UAE’s ‘50 Principles’, which recognises humanitarian assistance as a defining part of the nation’s identity and a moral responsibility towards less fortunate communities.