Page 254 - UAE Foreign Aid Report 2022

United Arab Emirates
254
Foreign Aid Report 2022

emphasizes technological innovation and shares In addressing the vulnerabilities of children,
its expertise to drive global development. especially among refugees and displaced groups,
the UAE has undertaken initiatives to safeguard
The UAE has solidified its position as a leading them during emergencies, focusing on health,
figure in humanitarian assistance, channeling nutrition, and education. Moreover, recognizing
efforts through over 40 entities from various the evolving disaster management capabilities
sectors, including humanitarian, governmental, of crisis-stricken nations, the UAE supports
and private domains. Dubai’s International these countries by enhancing their emergency
Humanitarian City (IHC), the world’s most response, furthering academic collaborations,
extensive hub for humanitarian operations, and facilitating local capacity-building. As part of
exemplifies the UAE’s commitment. During their broader strategy, the UAE is committed to
the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE augmented stabilization in conflict-ridden regions, striving for
its response by establishing colossal logistics sustainable recovery, and ensuring basic services.
centers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. With increasing Simultaneously, foreign aid is a key component
humanitarian emergencies, particularly in its of the UAE’s approach to counter extremism at
vicinity, the UAE has committed to dedicating its roots, leveraging technology and bilateral
at least 15% of its foreign aid to humanitarian partnerships to uplift vulnerable nations and
endeavors. The UAE’s strategy is two-fold: counter extremist narratives, particularly among
direct emergency assistance and strengthening youth.
global humanitarian organizations. The country
also positions itself as a hub for humanitarian The private sector is instrumental in driving
discourse and innovation, evidenced by platforms sustainable development. Understanding that
like the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & development aid alone doesn’t ensure prosperity,
Development (DIHAD). the importance of businesses, including foreign
entities, becomes clear. Such businesses bring
Since 1971, the UAE’s humanitarian drive has employment, training, technology, and wealth.
Feature
been unmistakable, aiding countless individuals Nevertheless, they often encounter obstacles
during crises. The country leverages its entities, in developing nations, such as political risks,
such as the Emirates Red Crescent, in conjunction financing issues, limited market insights,
with international bodies to optimize aid infrastructure gaps, skill shortages, and regulatory
effectiveness. Coordination is crucial, overseen challenges. The UAE’s foreign assistance strategy
by the “UAE Committee for the Coordination of prioritizes addressing these hurdles, aiming to
Humanitarian Aid,” which streamlines efforts create a business-friendly environment in these
across organizations. At the multilateral level, regions.
partnerships with the United Nations and other
multilateral and international organizations enrich Keen on amplifying its economic relationship
both the UAE’s contributions and the broader with partner countries, the UAE zeroes in on
global humanitarian response. The UAE is also refining the business landscape and promoting
vigilant about “forgotten emergencies,” lesser- business information exchanges. This involves
known crises that often miss global attention. It is championing business regulatory reforms,
redirecting focus to these situations and pushing refining customs procedures, and endorsing
for a shift in evaluating aid’s success, emphasizing specific trade norms. The private sector’s insights
the tangible impact rather than sheer volume. are crucial in determining potential challenges
and identifying prospective partnership nations.