Page 148 - UAE Foreign Aid Report 2022

United Arab Emirates
148
Foreign Aid Report 2022

Aid Allocation Overview

Over the past half-decade, the Emirates Red Zooming into the beneficiaries, Jordan, Pakistan,
Crescent (ERC) has emerged as a stalwart in and Yemen stood out as the top recipients of
the UAE’s foreign aid landscape, consistently the Emirates Red Crescent’s international aid
securing its position as the third-largest donor in 2022. Collectively, they represented over a
in terms of aid volume. In 2022 alone, the ERC quarter of the ERC’s foreign aid disbursements
contributions amounted to a substantial AED for that year. Aligning with global aspirations,
582.3 million (USD 158.5 million), reaching out ERC channeled its efforts to support a gamut of
to 75 countries globally, a generous gesture that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Of the
included support to four Small Island Developing 17 SDGs, they actively supported seven, with the
States (SIDS). Analyzing the distribution metrics, primary focus on SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 11
45% of this aid, totaling AED 280.4 million (USD (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG
76.4 million), was directed to 25 of the world’s 2 (Zero Hunger). Together, these three pivotal
Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Moreover, global goals absorbed almost 90% of the 2022
20 lower-middle-income nations benefited foreign aid allocation.
significantly, receiving 32% of the total aid, which
translates to AED 154.8 million (USD 42.1 million). When viewed in a broader timeframe, the Emirates
Red Crescent’s unyielding commitment to global
The Red Crescent Authority’s form of assistance betterment becomes even more evident. Over
for these disbursements is particularly noteworthy: the past five years, from 2018-2022, their total
ERC operates exclusively via grants, ensuring investments in global development, humanitarian
that the recipient countries are not burdened with actions, and charitable projects have amassed a
debts. Delving deeper into the allocation specifics, significant AED 2.80 billion (USD 762.5 million).
54% of these funds were dedicated to global Through these endeavors, ERC reaffirms its
development initiatives. Meanwhile, 31% of the dedication to fostering a brighter, more equitable
financial aid was channeled towards humanitarian future for all.
and emergency relief, with the remainder being
allocated to charitable endeavors.

2022 witnessed a balanced approach by the
Emirates Red Crescent in project implementation.
ERC adeptly straddled between direct intervention
and collaborative efforts. Specifically, ERC either
took the helm of foreign aid projects themselves
or synergized with local allies, including national
non-governmental organizations or other
civil society entities. This approach ensured a
seamless blend of ground-level insights and top-
tier expertise.