The United Arab Emirates has announced a major humanitarian commitment with a pledge of $550 million to support the United Nations’ Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) for 2026.

The directive, issued by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, positions the UAE among the leading global contributors working to alleviate urgent humanitarian suffering worldwide.

The 2026 GHO aims to mobilise $33 billion to assist an estimated 135 million people across 23 humanitarian operations. These operations span critical regions affected by conflict, displacement, natural disasters, and economic instability. They also include targeted relief for refugees, migrants, and vulnerable communities grappling with escalating global crises. Of the total amount, the UN seeks $23 billion in immediate funding to safeguard the lives of 87 million people in dire need of urgent humanitarian support.

The UAE’s pledge reflects its longstanding commitment to international humanitarian action, an approach grounded in rapid and effective responses to crises. Through sustained collaboration with UN agencies, chief among them the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)-the UAE continues to prioritise equitable access to essential aid, especially in regions where instability has severely disrupted basic services. Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, reaffirmed this commitment, highlighting the UAE’s determination to strengthen global humanitarian solidarity. “The UAE continues its steadfast commitment to supporting global humanitarian efforts and working with our UN partners to ensure access to aid for those most impacted,” she said.

“This pledge embodies the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and reflects our profound belief in the necessity of international solidarity in responding to urgent humanitarian appeals in an effective and sustainable manner that preserves human dignity and protects lives.” The announcement was welcomed across the UN system, with senior officials emphasising the transformative potential of the UAE’s support. Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, stated:

“Our global appeal is about saving lives where shocks have hit hardest - and turning plans into real protection. The UAE’s rapid and generous backing of our 2026 plan sends a strong signal, focused on people who need it most. We must deliver an effective, innovative response that meets the moment.” WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that the pledge comes as global health systems face unprecedented pressure.

“Warning signs of health system collapse manifest long before it occurs - outbreaks spread, malnutrition increases, and preventable deaths rise,” he said. “However, when we come together, services can be restored and lives saved. I thank His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE for their support, which will provide crucial humanitarian health care to millions in need.”

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stressed the significance of the UAE’s involvement for children caught in crises.

“UNICEF appreciates the UAE’s generous support, which will go a long way to save and improve the lives of children caught in humanitarian crises,” she said. “Children are always the most vulnerable when a crisis strikes.”

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi also welcomed the contribution, noting:

“We value the UAE’s strong commitment to humanitarian efforts. While severe funding shortfalls present a significant challenge for millions of vulnerable forcibly displaced people, contributions from governments like the UAE allow UNHCR to enhance its response efforts and provide a glimmer of hope for those in need.”

Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, described the pledge as a crucial intervention at a time when humanitarian needs are rising sharply.

“As humanitarian needs soar and resources lag dangerously behind, the United Arab Emirates’ generous pledge is a lifeline,” she said. “WFP stands ready to work with the UAE to ensure this desperately needed support reaches the millions facing acute hunger across the globe.”

This substantial commitment further strengthens the UAE’s strategic partnership with the UN humanitarian system and underscores its growing influence in global crisis response. Guided by the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE continues to champion swift, coordinated, and impactful humanitarian action aimed at protecting lives, ensuring stability, and upholding human dignity in the world’s most vulnerable regions.