The United Arab Emirates is giving $550 million to the UN's global humanitarian appeal for those affected by crises
The United Arab Emirates has announced a contribution of $550 million to the 2026 UN Global Humanitarian Appeal for programs aimed at supporting millions of people affected by crises around the world.
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At the direction of the President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates announced a major contribution of $550 million to support the UN's Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO). The initiative aims to raise 33 billion dollars in 2026, intended to support approximately 135 million people in 23 humanitarian operations worldwide, including programs to support refugees and migrants, writes the official news agency of the United Arab Emirates, WAM.
The appeal is initially focused on protecting the lives of up to 87 million people in urgent need by funding $23 billion.
This initiative reaffirms the UAE's firm commitment to international efforts to save lives and respond to disasters and crises affecting the world's most vulnerable communities, the agency also notes.
According to the quoted source, the support highlights the important role of the Emirates in promoting multilateral humanitarian action and the country's close cooperation with UN agencies — including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) — as well as with aid and development programs on the ground, to ensure rapid access to assistance where it is most needed, in line with His Highness' directives, which emphasize a rapid and effective response.
Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said:
“The UAE remains steadfastly committed to supporting global humanitarian efforts and working with our UN partners to ensure access to aid for those most affected. This contribution reflects the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and expresses our deep conviction in the need for international solidarity to respond to urgent humanitarian calls in an effective and sustainable manner that protects human dignity and saves lives.”
Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at OCHA, welcomed the announcement:
“Our global appeal aims to save lives where the shocks hit hardest — turning plans into real protection. The UAE's swift and generous support of our 2026 plan sends a strong signal, focused on the people who need it most. We must deliver an effective and innovative response in time.”
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said:
“The signs of health system collapse are appearing long before it happens—disease outbreaks are spreading, malnutrition is increasing, and preventable deaths are multiplying. However, when we act together, services can be restored and lives can be saved. I thank His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE for their support, which will provide vital health assistance to millions of people in in need.”
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said:
“UNICEF appreciates the UAE's generous support, which will significantly contribute to saving and improving the lives of children affected by humanitarian crises. Children are always the most vulnerable when a crisis erupts. At a time when needs exceed available resources, this contribution is extremely important and builds on the strategic partnership between UNICEF and the UAE.”
Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), welcomed the announcement: “We value the UAE's strong commitment to humanitarian efforts.”
He added: “With severe funding shortfalls posing a major challenge for millions of vulnerable and forcibly displaced people, contributions from governments like the UAE's enable UNHCR to scale up its response and offer a ray of hope to those in need.”
Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Program (WFP), said:
“As humanitarian needs grow and resources remain dangerously short, the UAE's generous contribution is a lifeline that will help ensure urgent relief for those most in need. We thank the UAE for its humanitarian leadership at an unprecedented time. WFP stands ready to work with the UAE to ensure that this much-needed support reaches millions of people facing acute hunger around the world.”
This support reinforces the strong strategic partnership between the UAE and the United Nations humanitarian system and reaffirms the UAE's central role in addressing the most pressing humanitarian challenges. At the same time, it strengthens the international community's capacity to protect lives and support stability in crisis-affected areas — according to His Highness' directives, which underline the UAE's leadership approach to global humanitarian action.
