According to the Emirates News Agency the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives in cooperation with Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 launched flights from Al Maktoum International Airport carrying the initial food aid under the Ahmed bin Rashid Humanitarian Bridge. The air component consists of six flights transporting a combined 450 tonnes of parcels while a separate vessel will deliver 4,000 tonnes of additional supplies by sea as part of seven total shipments. These consignments target the basic nutritional requirements of Palestinians in Gaza and follow a major community packing event at the Dubai World Trade Centre that prepared the meals in tribute to the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Emirates News Agency figures show the bridge was established to honour the philanthropic legacy of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who died on September 21 2026. The community event drew broad participation reflecting societal values of giving and solidarity across the UAE. Hammoud Al Afari Director of UAE Relief Operations under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 described the initiative as a meaningful expansion of existing charitable activities.
Al Afari said “The launch of flights under the Ahmed bin Rashid Humanitarian Bridge reflects the high level of efficiency and expertise of the Emirati teams involved in Operation Chivalrous Knight 3.” He noted that the bridge launched in tribute to Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum adds to the UAE’s longstanding humanitarian commitments. The official stated that Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 which began in November 2023 under directives from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has provided continuous support to help residents cope with difficult conditions.
Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 data places total UAE assistance to Gaza at more than $4 billion since its inception representing 46 percent of global humanitarian aid directed to the territory during that period. The operation has moved more than 130,708 tonnes of supplies through 796 aircraft 25 ships and 14,483 lorries with coordination handled at the UAE Humanitarian Aid Logistics Centre in Al Arish Egypt before transfer via the Rafah crossing. Aid under the Ahmed bin Rashid Humanitarian Bridge has now reached Gaza following preparation and transport by the operation’s teams.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives coordinated the bridge as one element of its wider international relief work. A report from the organisation placed its 2025 spending at more than AED 2.3 billion on humanitarian healthcare and education projects that reached an estimated 165 million beneficiaries in 122 countries. The Gaza effort underscores the foundation’s focus on addressing acute food needs in crisis zones.
Teams from Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 managed the loading and movement of the airlifted parcels from Al Maktoum International Airport to the Egyptian logistics hub for final delivery. The initiative builds directly on the recent meal preparation drive that engaged volunteers in support of the Palestinian population. Delivery of the full bridge target is expected to provide meaningful relief amid ongoing regional challenges.