Page 16 - UAE Foreign Aid Report 2022

United Arab Emirates
16
Foreign Aid Report 2022

C. Assistance Categories

The United Arab Emirates’ foreign assistance is and substantial response to crises and emergencies
disseminated into three distinct categories, each around the world, underscoring its role as a vital player
serving a unique purpose. Development aid is focused in global humanitarian assistance.
on programs that enhance economic or social welfare, This balance between development ODA and
humanitarian aid is geared towards lifesaving efforts, humanitarian ODA showcases the UAE’s
encompassing emergency and relief operations, while comprehensive approach to international assistance,
charitable aid incorporates projects imbued with ensuring both immediate relief for crises and long-term
religious or cultural orientations. solutions for sustainable development.

In 2022, the UAE’s development aid, which strives to
boost economic and social prosperity, constituted the
majority of the overall foreign assistance, accounting
for 83% of the total. This illustrates the UAE’s
enduring commitment to support sustainable growth
in developing nations. Humanitarian aid, reflecting
the UAE’s response to global crises, formed 13% of
the total disbursements for the year. The remaining
aid were allocated to religious or cultural projects,
otherwise known as charitable aid.

Over the three-year period spanning 2020-2022,
the UAE’s efforts to long-term development
and humanitarian and emergency relief became
increasingly evident. The total development aid during
this time exceeded a remarkable AED 26.31 billion
(USD 7.16 billion), whereas the humanitarian aid was
also substantial, amounting to AED 6.60 billion (USD
1.80 billion).

In terms of Official Development Assistance (ODA) for
the year 2022, the UAE demonstrated a clear priority
for long-term development aid, which made up the
lion’s share of disbursements, at 83%, amounting
to AED 5.41 billion (USD 1.47 billion). This aligns
with the UAE’s commitment to promote sustainable
development and build resilience in partner countries.
On the other hand, the UAE also maintains a significant
focus on addressing immediate humanitarian needs.
Humanitarian aid constituted 17% of the UAE’s ODA for Teesta Dam Project-Bangladesh.
the same year, equating to AED 1.10 billion (USD 298.3 Source: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development
million). This proportion represents the UAE’s swift