This year, the occasion has gained greater importance, as it coincides with the coronavirus pandemic. The UAE has a distinguished and full record of charity and humanitarian work and has established the best example of dealing with the pandemic, in solidarity with all countries of the world.
The UAE’s related efforts are not limited to providing medical or relief aid. It has evacuated many expatriates living outside their countries during the outbreak, transported them to their countries, and hosted some of them in the Emirates Humanitarian City.
The UAE has prioritised charity work based on human values, such as giving, and for many years, it has ranked the first donor entity in relation to national income, with a figure of 1.31 percent of total income, which is double the average rate identified by the United Nations, UN, of 0.7 percent.
Over 45 donors, humanitarian organisations and charity associations operate in the UAE to help needy people around the world.
The Emirates Red Crescent, ERC, established 37 years ago, is one of the UAE’s leading humanitarian and charity organisations and has an extensive history of international humanitarian support.
In 2019, the number of beneficiaries of the ERC’s local programmes and aid campaigns valued at AED140.7 million amounted to over 1 million citizens and residents from 87 nationalities, with its social aid valued at AED115.3 million and seasonal projects at AED30.5 million.
Global Solidarity to Eradicate Poverty
Charity, like the notions of volunteerism and philanthropy, provides real social bonding and contributes to the creation of inclusive and more resilient societies.
Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care, education, housing and child protection.
It assists the advancement of culture, science, sports, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage. It also promotes the rights of the marginalized and underprivileged and spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations.