Page 204 - UAE Foreign Aid Report 2022

United Arab Emirates
204
Foreign Aid Report 2022

Aid Allocation Overview

In 2022, The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) reinforced its When it comes to the categories of assistance, the
unwavering commitment to aiding vulnerable children Foundation demonstrated a holistic and blended
and families in precarious situations, distributing AED strategy: 69% of the total funds were aimed at long-
29.1 million (USD 7.9 million) in international aid to 13 term global development, while 30% addressed
countries. Notably, almost half of these beneficiary immediate humanitarian and emergency relief needs.
countries (6 out of 13) were classified as Least Developed A smaller fraction was allocated to charitable projects
Countries (LDCs), accentuating the foundation’s focus that generated immediate social benefits.
on areas most in need. Egypt, Pakistan, and Lebanon
emerged as the top three recipients of the foundation’s On a broader scope, the Big Heart Foundation
aid, collectively absorbing over 70% of the total funding strategically aligned its efforts with the United Nations’
for 2022. This targeted assistance amplifies the impact Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing
in regions where the needs are dire. particularly on Goals 3 (Health and Well-being), 4
(Quality Education), and 1 (No Poverty). This underlines
Collaboration forms the cornerstone of The Big Heart the Foundation’s commitment to driving positive
Foundation’s operational strategy; the organization changes in fundamental aspects of human life.
allocated 60% of its funds to projects executed in
association with non-governmental organizations Cumulatively, over the past five years, from 2018-2022,
(NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs). The the Big Heart Foundation has disbursed AED 183.0
remaining 40% of its 2022 aid portfolio was distributed million (USD 49.8 million) in grants, underscoring
through various international and multilateral its substantial and sustained contributions to global
organizations, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach humanitarian and development efforts.
to achieving sustainable impact.

Allocation Insights

01 Health

Over the past half-decade, the Big Heart Foundation has threatening domains like oncology.
consistently prioritized the global health sector, leading
its most impactful projects within this domain. In 2022 Palestine also saw significant support from the Big
alone, the Foundation dedicated AED 18.4 million Heart Foundation, but with a unique focus on enhancing
(USD 5.0 million) to health projects, which represents the country’s health system’s readiness. Collaborating
a significant 63% of its total annual disbursements. with the Welfare Association, the Foundation aided the
These projects spanned six countries, reinforcing the installation of an oxygen generator and solar energy
organization’s broad reach and commitment. systems in Gaza’s health facilities. These installations
not only fortify the healthcare system’s infrastructure
A notable 54% of the health sector’s funding was but also ensure its sustainability and responsiveness
channeled towards fortifying basic health infrastructure. during crises.
For instance, in Egypt, the Foundation took a pivotal
step in battling cancer by funding the expansion of Emergencies often lead to spikes in medical needs,
the main National Cancer Institute (NCI) building. This and the Foundation was prepared to address these
upgrade was designed to cater to a larger number of in Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine. Specifically, in
patients, reduce the waitlist, and notably, elevate the Palestine, the Foundation shouldered the financial
quality of care provided — all without charging the burden of emergency medical care required due
beneficiaries. This initiative illustrates the Foundation’s to conflicts and violence, supporting institutions in
intent to bridge healthcare gaps, especially in life- Jerusalem and Gaza to provide crucial medical aid to
those injured.