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UAE is world’s third-largest humanitarian donor with $1.46bn in aid for 2025
The UAE has been ranked the world’s third-largest donor of humanitarian aid for 2025, according to new data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).
The country contributed $1.46bn, accounting for 7.2 per cent of all aid recorded by the UN’s Financial Tracking Service.
The ranking reinforces the UAE’s long-standing leadership in global humanitarian and development efforts.
UAE delivers $1.46bn in aid
The Financial Tracking Service classification showed that global humanitarian contributions reached $20.28bn in 2025.
The UAE ranked third worldwide, following the United States and the European Union.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, affirmed that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, continues to strengthen its global humanitarian footprint.
He emphasised that the UAE’s commitment is rooted in its mission of assistance, solidarity, cooperation and sustainable development for the benefit of all people, regardless of origin, race, religion, belief or geography.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed noted that the UAE’s rapid response to global crises, natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies reflects the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Global support
He said that this approach embodies the direction of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the continued guidance of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
He added that the UAE’s humanitarian, developmental and philanthropic aid reflects the ethos shared by the leadership, government and people — supporting vulnerable communities, extending relief to the afflicted and providing essential supplies including food, medicine, shelter and clothing.
Beyond immediate humanitarian response, the UAE continues to implement medium and long-term programmes across vital sectors such as:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Energy
- Infrastructure
50 Principles
The UAE’s foreign aid efforts align with the ninth of the “50 Principles”, which underscores humanitarian assistance as a core element of national identity and an ethical responsibility toward less fortunate communities.
