Page 218 - UAE Foreign Aid Report 2022

United Arab Emirates
218
Foreign Aid Report 2022

Aid Allocation Overview

As one of the United Arab Emirates’ standout almost even split between these two approaches in
international philanthropic organizations, the Sharjah terms of funding volume. When it comes to the nature
Charity House has made significant strides in global aid of aid, Sharjah Charity House exhibits a diversified
distribution. In 2022, the foundation disbursed AED 5.2 portfolio: 50% was allocated for charitable projects,
million (USD 1.4 million) in grant funding, targeting 11 35% for humanitarian assistance, and the remaining
countries across various continents and also supporting 15% was earmarked for global development initiatives.
a specialized project with a regional focus in Africa.
A closer look at the allocation reveals that six Least In alignment with global objectives, Sharjah Charity
Developed Countries (LDCs) received 17% of the total House has committed itself to advancing the United
funding, while three Lower-Middle-Income Countries Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In
(LMICs) accounted for over half of the financial aid. 2022, the organization made notable contributions to
Indonesia emerged as the largest beneficiary, receiving six of the 17 SDGs, with particular emphasis on SDGs
nearly 50% of the total disbursements, followed by 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 3 (Good
Bangladesh and Syria. Health and Well-being), and 1 (No Poverty).

The foundation’s operational strategy is marked by Over the last half-decade, from 2018 to 2022, the
versatility, leveraging both direct project implementation foundation’s foreign aid disbursements have reached
and strategic collaborations with national Non- AED 96.1 million (USD 26.2 million), underscoring
Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society its continued commitment to creating a meaningful
Organizations (CSOs). Interestingly, 2022 saw an impact globally.

Allocation Insights

01 Social Services

In 2022, the Social Services Sector emerged as the
cornerstone of Sharjah Charity House’s philanthropic Meanwhile, the remaining portion of the budget was
efforts, attracting a dominant share of its financial thoughtfully directed towards seasonal programmes,
resources. Specifically, a notable AED 2.6 million (USD specifically emphasizing charitable initiatives during
0.7 million) — over half of the foundation’s total annual the Holy Month of Ramadan. One of the standout
aid — was directed toward this sector. An insightful activities under this initiative was the provision of meals
breakdown reveals a distribution of funds within to the underprivileged in developing countries, echoing
two distinct subsectors. The first subsector, which the spirit of compassion intrinsic to the holy month.
received 93% of the allocated funds, was devoted to Overall, the allocations within the Social Services Sector
the construction of religious sites. This demonstrated mirror the Sharjah Charity House’s multi-dimensional
Sharjah Charity House’s significant focus in cultural approach to aiding communities, one that harmonizes
and religious development, a factor often understated spiritual, cultural, and basic human needs.
but crucial for community cohesion and spiritual well-
being.