UAE’s Commitment to Sudan: Aid & Relief

UAE‘s Decades-Long Commitment to Sudan: Over $3.5 Billion in Aid amid Crisis

By Archyde News

Published: April 9, 2025

As the conflict in Sudan grinds into its second year, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a critical lifeline, providing extensive humanitarian aid to Sudanese citizens both within the country and in neighboring refugee camps.This commitment, rooted in decades of support, underscores the complex geopolitical landscape and the urgent need for international assistance.

A Steadfast Ally: The UAE’s Humanitarian Footprint in Sudan

The UAE’s support for Sudan is not a recent development. It’s a deeply ingrained commitment stretching back to the 1970s. Since the crisis escalated in April 2023, the UAE has provided $600.4 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan. This figure includes the $200 million pledge made at the high-level humanitarian conference in Addis Ababa on February 14, 2025.the UAE’s humanitarian aid to Sudan has reached a staggering $3.5 billion over the past decade.

This commitment puts the UAE among the leading donors to Sudan, highlighting its proactive role in addressing humanitarian crises. For comparison, the United States, while a critically important donor, frequently enough channels aid through international organizations and focuses on specific sectors like food security and health. The UAE’s approach encompasses a broader spectrum of aid, including direct assistance and infrastructure development.

Donor	Focus	Approach
UAE	Complete (food, Medical, Infrastructure)	Direct aid, air bridges, field hospitals
united States	Specific Sectors (Food security, health)	Channels aid through international organizations

“Lifeline” to Millions: Reaching Those in need

The impact of the UAE’s humanitarian efforts is significant. Emirati initiatives have served as a lifeline for more than two million Sudanese people affected by the ongoing conflict. This aid has been delivered through various channels, ensuring it reaches those most vulnerable.

To put this in perspective for a U.S. audience, imagine the impact of a natural disaster like hurricane Katrina. The UAE’s aid to Sudan is akin to providing comprehensive relief efforts to the entire affected population, ensuring access to food, water, and medical care.

The “Joy Bridge”: Delivering Aid by Air and Sea

The UAE has established an “air bridge,” dispatching 162 aircraft laden with food,medical supplies,and other relief items to Sudan. In addition to airlifts, humanitarian aid ships have transported 13,168 tons of essential supplies to Sudan, Chad, and Uganda, supporting both internally displaced persons and refugees.

This multifaceted approach demonstrates the UAE’s logistical capabilities and its commitment to reaching affected populations nonetheless of geographical barriers. The use of both air and sea routes is crucial, as it allows for the efficient delivery of large quantities of aid to multiple locations concurrently.

Regional Support: Assisting Sudanese Refugees

Recognizing the regional impact of the Sudanese crisis, the UAE has extended its humanitarian efforts to neighboring countries hosting Sudanese refugees. This includes:

• 6,000 tons of food and relief assistance to Sudanese refugees in Chad.
• 200 tons of food and relief to Sudanese refugees in Uganda.
• 300 tons of food and relief supplies to refugees in south Sudan.

The UAE is also providing significant support to the health sector, constructing field hospitals in Amdjarass and Abéché in Chad, which have treated 90,889 cases of Sudanese refugees. Additionally, a hospital has been opened in the Madol area of Bahr al-Ghazal in South Sudan, and support is being provided to 127 health facilities across 14 states.

This regional approach is critical, as refugee crises often strain the resources of host countries. By providing support to both refugees and host communities, the UAE is helping to mitigate the long-term impact of the conflict and promote stability in the region.

Partnering with the UN: A Collaborative Approach

The UAE has allocated $70 million to United Nations agencies and thier humanitarian organizations operating in Sudan. This funding has been distributed as follows:

• $25 million for the World Food Program.
• $20 million to the United nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
• $8 million for the world Health Institution.
• $5 million to the United Nations food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
• $5 million to the United Nations Office for Coordination of humanitarian Affairs.
• $7 million to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

This collaboration with the UN demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to a coordinated and effective humanitarian response. By working with established international organizations, the UAE can leverage their expertise and infrastructure to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.

Focus on Vulnerable Populations: Women and Children

The UAE has specifically targeted support for vulnerable populations, including women and children. It has provided $30 million to support refugees in countries neighboring Sudan and announced $10.25 million to the united Nations to support Sudanese refugee women affected by the ongoing crisis.

Furthermore, the UAE is supporting education for Sudanese refugees, allocating $4 million in agreement with UNICEF to support the education of Sudanese refugees in Chad. This investment in education is crucial for the long-term well-being of refugee children, providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to rebuild their lives.

Addressing Potential Criticisms: The Geopolitical Context

While the UAE’s humanitarian efforts are commendable, it’s critically important to acknowledge the potential for geopolitical complexities. Some critics argue that aid can be used as a tool to exert influence or advance strategic interests. Though, the scale and scope of the UAE’s humanitarian assistance to Sudan suggest a genuine commitment to alleviating human suffering.

The key is transparency and accountability. Ensuring that aid is delivered impartially and effectively, without discrimination or political conditions, is crucial for maintaining trust and maximizing impact. Autonomous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms can help to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most and is used for its intended purpose.

Looking Ahead: The path to Lasting Peace

While humanitarian aid is essential for addressing the immediate needs of the Sudanese people, it’s not a long-term solution. A lasting peace is the only way to end the suffering and allow Sudan to rebuild. The international community, including the UAE and the United States, must work together to support peace negotiations and promote stability in the region.

As United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated in 2025, $6 billion is “Needed to Support Nearly 21 Million Sudanese Facing … Generously support the humanitarian response and press for respect for international law, for a cessation of hostilities, life-saving aid and the lasting peace that the people of Sudan so desperately need. We must do more — and do more now — to help the people of Sudan out of this nightmare.” The situation is dire, and collective action is required to prevent further catastrophe.

The UAE’s commitment to Sudan is a testament to the power of humanitarian action. However, it’s also a reminder of the urgent need for a political solution to the conflict. Only through peace can the Sudanese people truly rebuild their lives and their country.

How does the UAE ensure the impartiality of its aid in Sudan?

UAE’s Humanitarian Efforts in Sudan: an Interview with Dr. Fatima Al-Mansoori

By Archyde News

Published: April 9, 2025

Introduction

Welcome, dr. Al-Mansoori. Thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the extensive humanitarian efforts of the United Arab Emirates in Sudan, wich has been ongoing for decades and significantly amplified during the current crisis. Could you start by giving us an overview of the UAE’s commitment?

Dr. Fatima al-Mansoori: Thank you for having me. The UAE’s involvement in Sudan is not new; it’s a long-standing relationship rooted in a commitment to supporting the Sudanese people.Over the past decade, the UAE has provided over $3.5 billion in aid. This includes direct assistance, medical support, infrastructure development, and a proactive response to the current conflict. since the crisis escalated in April 2023, aid has reached $600.4 million.

The scale of Aid

That’s a notable figure.The article highlights the UAE as a leading donor. Could you elaborate on the specific types of aid being delivered and how it’s reaching those in need?

Dr. Fatima Al-Mansoori: The UAE’s approach is comprehensive. We’ve established what is known as an “air bridge,” using cargo planes to transport food,medical supplies,and other essential items. We are also using ships, with over 13,000 tons of supplies delivered via sea to Sudan and neighboring countries like Chad and Uganda. Our efforts are focused on providing complete aid, including items beyond basic needs: food, medicine, and infrastructure support.

Regional Impact and Support for Refugees

The crisis has obviously impacted neighboring countries, many of which are hosting Sudanese refugees. How is the UAE addressing the regional implications of the conflict?

Dr. Fatima Al-Mansoori: recognizing the regional impact is essential.We are actively supporting Sudanese refugees in Chad, Uganda, and South Sudan. This includes providing thousands of tons of food and relief items, as well as support for healthcare. We’ve been constructing field hospitals, providing a lifeline for refugees who have fled their homes.

Partnerships and Collaboration

the collaboration with the united Nations and other international organizations is evident in the report. Can you discuss the importance of these partnerships?

Dr. Fatima Al-Mansoori: Absolutely, working with organizations such as the World Food Program, and UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) is paramount. The UAE has allocated $70 million to various UN agencies involved in Sudan. These partnerships allow us to leverage their expertise and infrastructure, ensuring efficient and effective aid delivery. We also work with UNICEF, supporting education for refugee children.

Geopolitical Considerations and future perspectives

The article touches on potential criticisms regarding aid and geopolitical interests. How does the UAE address concerns about transparency and ensuring the impartiality of its aid?

Dr. Fatima Al-Mansoori: Transparency and accountability are key principles. Our commitment is to alleviate suffering. We work closely with independent monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the aid reaches those who need it most, without discrimination or political conditions. Furthermore, we work with the UN and other organizations to provide aid impartially.

The long-term solution is a lasting peace. What role do you see the UAE playing in supporting peace negotiations and promoting stability in the region?

Dr. Fatima Al-Mansoori: Humanitarian aid is the immediate need, but a lasting peace is vital.Even though outside the primary scope of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs we hope to encourage the international community to work together to find that lasting solution to the conflict in Sudan.

A Call to Action

Dr.al-Mansoori, the scale of the UAE’s assistance is remarkable. What message would you like to leave our readers with?

Dr.Fatima Al-mansoori: This is a time for collective action. While the UAE is proud of its ongoing commitment, the situation in Sudan requires a global effort. Our goal is clear: to provide aid to those suffering and promote stability. It’s a reminder to stay informed and support organizations working to bring peace and relief to the Sudanese people.

Concluding Remarks

Dr. Al-Mansoori, thank you for offering us invaluable insights. The UAE’s ongoing efforts are indeed a critical lifeline. We hope that the international community continues to provide aid and support for all involved parties.

dr.Fatima Al-Mansoori: Thank you for this chance.