Page 154 - UAE Foreign Aid Report 2022

United Arab Emirates
154
Foreign Aid Report 2022

Aid Allocation Overview

In 2022, the International Charity Organization (ICO) were implemented directly by the organization, while
solidified its position as the UAE’s fourth largest donor partnerships with national NGOs and civic bodies
by financial volume, disbursing AED 270.9 million represented a smaller yet vital 11%.
(USD 73.8 million). This marked a 7% increase from Shifting the lens to geographical focus, Palestine,
the previous year, indicating a growing commitment to Sudan, and Senegal stood out as the foremost
global outreach. Across 13 countries, ICO’s footprint beneficiaries, collectively drawing 45% of ICO’s total
was evident, with special emphasis on 3 Least 2022 aid. Aligned with the international commitment
Developed Countries (LDCs) which received AED 102.2 to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ICO
million (USD 27.8 million), making up 38% of the total channelled its resources to support seven of the 17
allocations. Additionally, five lower-middle-income defined goals. With a strategic focus on SDG 1 (No
countries were on the receiving end of 36% of the aid, Poverty), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities),
equivalent to AED 98.0 million (USD 26.7 million). and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), these key areas
Distinctively, the ICO commits its resources through together attracted over 90% of ICO’s 2022 foreign aid.
grants, with a discerning preference for global Reflecting on ICO’s continuous endeavors, over the past
development. A vast majority, 66%, of its 2022 funding three years of reporting its foreign assistance activities,
championed development initiatives, while charitable from 2020-2022, the ICO has generously disbursed
endeavors received 31% of the total, leaving the foreign aid amounting to AED 757.4 million (USD
remainder for humanitarian assistance. When it comes 206.2 million), highlighting the International Charity
to the execution of foreign aid projects, ICO takes an Organization’s consistent and expanding commitment
active hands-on approach. A significant 84% of projects to global welfare.

Allocation Insights

01 Social Services

In 2022, the International Charity Organization (ICO) the sector’s total funds, translating to a remarkable
solidified its unyielding commitment to fortifying the AED 133.0 million (USD 36.2 million).
Social Services Sector, directing a significant tranche
of its foreign aid budget to support this pivotal sector. The ICO’s investments in social welfare services and
An allocation of AED 184.4 million (USD 50.2 million), assorted basic social services are multifaceted. Their
representing an overwhelming 68% of ICO’s total compassionate reach extends to providing care for
disbursements for the year, was dedicated to endeavors hundreds of orphans, addressing both their educational
ranging from social welfare services to seasonal and health necessities. The organization’s expansive
programmes, underscoring ICO’s unyielding dedication aid net also envelops the support of 7,150 individuals
to fostering societal progress and betterment. with special needs, ensures educational assistance
The essence of ICO’s mission is deeply rooted in for nearly 500 students, underwrites the salaries of
improving the living conditions for the marginalized 1,345 educators, covers medical costs for around 700
and vulnerable. Within the realm of the Social Services patients hailing from impoverished backgrounds, and
Sector, two prominent subsectors – social welfare bears the salaries of over 50 doctors. Furthermore, the
services and an array of basic social services – stood ICO extended its benevolent arm to uplift nearly 15,000
out as focal points of the ICO’s 2022 foreign assistance. families, offering them financial aid and even initial
These two pillars, collectively, absorbed over 70% of capital to pioneer livelihood ventures, thus fostering