The Emirates News Agency reported that the UAE marked the International Day of Charity by focusing on sustainable philanthropy aimed at achieving lasting development outcomes rather than short-term relief alone. This observance on September 5 aligns with the United Nations designation that commemorates the anniversary of Mother Teresa’s passing and promotes collective efforts to support vulnerable populations worldwide. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, stated that the country leads in international sustainable charitable initiatives following the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Such efforts integrate with the ninth principle of the UAE’s Principles of the 50 that positions foreign humanitarian aid as an integral moral commitment.
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs data through its Financial Tracking Service placed the UAE as the third-largest humanitarian donor globally in 2025 with contributions of $1.46 billion. This accounted for 7.2 percent of the $20.28 billion in total aid recorded that year. The ranking followed only the United States and the European Union while reflecting swift responses to crises alongside medium and long-term programs in healthcare, education, energy and infrastructure. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan noted that these actions embody the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
A UNICEF statement praised the UAE’s partnership that has delivered tangible benefits for children and families across regions including Gaza where the country backed three rounds of a polio vaccination campaign. The most recent round in February 2025 reached nearly 603,000 children under 10 with oral polio vaccines through support from the Mohamed bin Zayed Humanitarian Initiatives Foundation and partners. The UAE has also provided more than $3.5 billion in assistance to Sudan over the past decade and aided over 1.2 million people in Ukraine with relief supplies. Additional support addressed natural disasters in countries such as Chad, Somalia, Myanmar and Yemen during 2025.
A Charities Aid Foundation report indicated that 87 percent of UAE residents made charitable donations in 2025 through institutions, direct aid or religious channels placing the country third globally among 105 nations surveyed. This level of participation underscores a deeply rooted culture of giving that complements official overseas assistance which surpassed AED 360 billion by mid-2024. Domestic and international activities both advance United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty reduction, health, education and clean water access.
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange recently partnered with Al Mabarrah International Charitable Association to enable investors to donate listed shares for sustainable causes including healthcare, education, orphan care and elderly support. Under the Endowment Shares Service investors can direct securities toward generating ongoing income or immediate project funding after approval. Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of ADX Group, described the initiative as combining capital market tools with charitable missions to create structured long-term social impact.
These combined public, private and institutional endeavors demonstrate the UAE’s comprehensive approach to charity that extends beyond emergency response to foster self-reliance and community resilience in recipient areas. The country maintains close coordination with global bodies such as the World Food Programme and UNHCR to maximize reach and effectiveness. Ongoing campaigns like the Fathers’ Endowment further bolster health systems in underserved communities through hospital development and medicine provision.
