The National reported on July 29 that the UAE’s floating hospital in Al Arish has fitted prosthetic limbs for 51 Palestinian amputees since the Step of Hope programme began last month. Patients undergo assessment aboard the vessel where specialists take measurements to ensure customised fits. Teams operating in Gaza employ 3D scanning to map residual limbs before transmitting the data to the hospital for production and fitting of the prosthetics.
According to the same report the programme aims to stimulate economic recovery in Gaza by constructing factories that manufacture prosthetic limbs. Storage depots will be established alongside increased funding for current workshops already active in the territory. This approach extends the hospital’s medical mandate into longer-term support for civilians impacted by conflict.
WAM figures show the floating hospital commenced operations on February 24 2024 as a central element of UAE relief efforts following the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023. Medical teams had carried out more than 5 000 operations by November 2025 a milestone announced by officials at the time. The vessel contains advanced surgical suites intensive care units radiology services and laboratories while providing 100 beds for patients and another 100 for family members.
The National reported that the UAE maintains a separate field hospital together with two medical centres inside Gaza. Authorities have arranged transport for thousands of patients including many with cancer or conflict-related injuries to receive treatment within the Emirates. These combined initiatives have assisted thousands of individuals across multiple facilities and relocation programmes.
In the week leading up to the July 29 update five Emirati aid convoys carried 938 tonnes of supplies into Gaza on 76 lorries. The deliveries comprised food parcels shelter materials and 20 water tanks intended to alleviate ongoing shortages. The assistance continues despite a ceasefire concluded in October 2023 as sporadic air strikes and displacement persist across the territory.
A WAM assessment found the Step of Hope programme was introduced specifically to broaden assistance for those who lost limbs during the war. The initiative integrates remote scanning with onboard fabrication to accelerate access to mobility aids. Hospital operators continue to coordinate with Gaza-based teams to identify and prioritise additional candidates for treatment.
