UAE resumes food aid deliveries worth Dh43 million as soon as Gaza’s borders open

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recommenced its humanitarian efforts in Gaza, delivering food aid worth Dh43 million ($11.7 million) as soon as the region’s border crossings reopened. This initiative, led by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) in collaboration with the UN World Food Programme (WFP), aims to provide essential food supplies and relief parcels to the most vulnerable families in Gaza. The aid is part of the UAE’s broader commitment to supporting the Palestinian people through land, sea, and air deliveries. The recent efforts follow a January 2024 announcement by MBRGI to contribute Dh43 million in direct food aid, benefiting one million individuals in the Gaza Strip. This initiative is a continuation of the UAE’s long-standing humanitarian legacy, which included Dh50 million in urgent aid in 2023 and a 71.6-ton shipment of medical supplies delivered via Egypt’s El Arish port in September 2024. Additionally, MBRGI pledged Dh37 million ($10 million) in January 2024 to bolster Gaza’s health sector, focusing on essential medical supplies for children. Samer AbdelJaber, WFP Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe, praised the partnership, stating that it reflects a shared commitment to alleviating suffering and offering hope to Gaza’s population. These efforts underscore MBRGI’s dedication to making a tangible impact in Gaza and strengthening its strategic alliance with WFP.