Emirates strengthens international relief efforts through UN partnership as displacement crisis deepens
The United Arab Emirates has pledged $5 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund in partnership with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), reinforcing its commitment to addressing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.
The agreement was signed on January 21, 2026 (photo above), between the UAE Aid Agency and OCHA, with Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, presiding over the ceremony. Rashid Salem Al Shamsi and Sajeda Al Shawa represented their respective organizations in formalizing the partnership.
Responding to Unprecedented Needs
The contribution comes as Sudan’s civil conflict continues to generate catastrophic humanitarian consequences. Massive population displacements have extended beyond Sudan’s borders, with refugees fleeing to Chad, South Sudan, Uganda, and Ethiopia. The UAE has emphasized that such widespread displacement demands intensified collective action and rapid response mechanisms to ensure early recovery and stability.
The funds will support OCHA and its partners in delivering life-saving assistance to vulnerable communities throughout Sudan, adhering to established humanitarian principles during a period of unprecedented need.
Long-Term Humanitarian Partnership
This latest pledge represents a continuation of the UAE’s sustained engagement with Sudan’s humanitarian challenges. Over the past decade (2015–2025), the Emirates has provided $4.24 billion in total assistance to Sudan. Since the current crisis began in 2023, the UAE has allocated $784 million specifically for humanitarian aid.
The scale and consistency of this support reflects the UAE’s position as a significant contributor to international humanitarian efforts in the region, working through multilateral channels to maximize impact and reach.
Advocacy for Ceasefire and Coordination
Beyond financial contributions, the UAE continues to advocate for a humanitarian ceasefire as essential to protecting civilians and enabling safe delivery of assistance. The Emirates has stressed that effective intervention requires coordinated efforts among regional and international partners, and that sustainable peace in Sudan depends on collective action and unhindered humanitarian access.
As the crisis evolves, the UAE’s partnership with OCHA demonstrates the critical role of multilateral cooperation in responding to complex humanitarian emergencies.
