UAE’s humanitarian approach to help Yemen

The generosity of the UAE is well known. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE, had declared: "We believe that the benefit of the fortune granted to us by God should spread to cover our brothers and friends."

The country has consistently contributed, both on its own and alongside UN agencies, to help those hit by various crises ranging from severe poverty or famine, displacement by wars and conflicts, and also victims of epidemic and contagious diseases.

"With the United Nations and humanitarian partners launching an international appeal for $2.1 billion to provide life-saving assistance to 12 million people in Yemen, the UAE is continuing to extend a helping hand," commented an editorial.

Obaid Salem Al Zaabi, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations in Geneva, has stated that the UAE supports the UN efforts in light of the state’s humanitarian role and support to the people of Yemen to alleviate their suffering.

"The UAE adopts a comprehensive humanitarian approach in supporting Yemen at various economic, humanitarian and logistical levels, in order to put it on the path of reconstruction and development and planting hope in the Yemeni people towards a better future, where everyone will enjoy security, stability and prosperity," said the UAE English language local daily, The Gulf Today in its editorial on Friday.

It added that several initiatives have been undertaken by the UAE to enable the Yemeni people overcome the difficult conditions they experience because of the crisis in the country.

Al Zaabi has rightly referred to the initiative of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in which he instructed Emirates Red Crescent to treat 1,500 Yemenis who have been injured in the conflict in Yemen.

Dozens of cargo planes and ships have already been dispatched to provide the relief supplies to the Yemeni people.

The paper noted that the UAE’s efforts in reconstruction of infrastructure, especially in health, education, electricity and water sectors will be remembered by the brotherly Yemeni people forever.

It should be noted that the UAE has allocated Dhs800.7 million to support the energy and power sector. It also provided Dhs466.1 million to support the transport sector. The UAE has also provided transport vehicles as well as water and fuel tankers.

"It is clear that the UAE will continue to be a strong supporter of Yemen and its people in cooperation with the United Nations and all humanitarian actors in order to respond to their needs and help them rebuild their country to ensure stability and security," it concluded.