Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a beacon of inspiration in the global humanitarian landscape, and his life has been distinguished by unwavering support for people and nations in crisis.

OPERATION CHIVALROUS KNIGHT: In February 2023, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan initiated Operation Chivalrous Knight 2 to support the people of Syria and Turkey following the devastating earthquake that affected both countries.

The operation, which lasted until 13th July of the same year, was one of the most successful unified operations carried out by UAE entities. Its priorities were determined in coordination with authorities in the affected countries, embodying the UAE’s prominent humanitarian approach in line with the directives of its leadership to support communities around the world.

The operation resulted in the rescue of dozens from under the rubble and the treatment of 13,463 cases. Additionally, humanitarian assistance amounting to 15,164 tonnes was provided through an air bridge, which organised 260 flights carrying 6,912 tonnes of emergency aid, including tents, essential food, and medicines. Furthermore, 8,252 tonnes of humanitarian aid were transported using 4 cargo ships to deliver relief and reconstruction materials to the affected areas.

On 5th November of the same year, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed ordered the commencement of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 to support the Palestinian people in Gaza due to the critical circumstances they have faced.

As part of the operation, total relief aid provided by the UAE to the Palestinian people until 8th May of the following year amounted to approximately 22,627 tonnes, transported via 224 cargo planes and 803 trucks, in addition to 3 cargo ships carrying aid.

The UAE swiftly provided humanitarian and relief aid in 2023 to those affected by Storm Daniel in Libya.

The UAE inaugurated a comprehensive field hospital in the Gaza Strip and sent a floating hospital off the coast of Al Arish to treat Palestinian patients. Additionally, it established 6 desalination stations with a production capacity of 1.2 million gallons per day and provided 5 bakeries with a production capacity of 12,500-15,000 loaves per hour.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed directed the hosting of one thousand Palestinians from Gaza suffering from cancer of all age groups to receive treatment and healthcare in UAE hospitals. He also directed the hosting of one thousand Palestinian children accompanied by their families from Gaza and the provision of all necessary healthcare until their recovery and return.

The UAE launched a campaign to aid Palestinians affected by the war in Gaza under the slogan ‘Tarahum for Gaza’, involving humanitarian and charity institutions, volunteering centres, the private sector, and all segments of society in the country, as well as the media.

NATURAL DISASTERS: The UAE’s response to aid those affected by natural disasters worldwide embodies a key element of the UAE’s humanitarian work under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Under His Highness Sheikh Mohamed’s directives, the UAE swiftly provided humanitarian and relief aid in 2023 to those affected by Storm Daniel in Libya and the earthquake in some areas of Morocco. The UAE’s relief and humanitarian efforts also covered a significant number of countries, such as Sudan, Somalia, Mozambique, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Chad, and others facing natural disasters or humanitarian emergencies.

On 19th May 2022, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed directed the provision of urgent humanitarian aid worth Dhs35 million to Somalia to support development efforts. In June of the same year, Sheikh Mohamed ordered the operation of an airlift carrying comprehensive food baskets, essential medical supplies, and a medical team, along with a field hospital, to aid victims of the earthquake in Afghanistan.

In response to the needs of the Palestinian people, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed directed the allocation of US$ 25 million on 9th July 2022 to support Al Makassed Hospital in East Jerusalem to expand its medical services. Additionally, in August of the same year, he ordered the provision of urgent humanitarian aid worth Dhs25 million to those affected and displaced due to floods in Sudan. He also directed the provision of urgent relief to Pakistan, which witnessed floods and displacement in several regions.

WAM