UAE Elevates Disaster Response on a Global Scale with Groundbreaking, Lifesaving Operations
United Arab Emirates Demonstrates Global Leadership in Humanitarian Aid
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again proven its commitment to humanitarian aid, following the March 31 earthquake in Myanmar. A team comprising personnel from Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, the National Guard, and the Joint Operations Command initiated immediate operations across six affected sites.
This response is part of the UAE's broader strategy in global humanitarian aid, which includes coordinated large-scale airdrops of aid, strategic partnerships, and cooperation with global organizations. One such initiative is the "Operation Chivalrous Knight" series, with Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 being the UAE's longest-running relief effort.
Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, launched after Operation Chivalrous Knight 2 in February 2023, has made significant contributions to the recovery efforts in Gaza. The operation has delivered over 65,000 tonnes of aid, valued at $1.2 billion.
The technological advancement in humanitarian aid delivery, known as the "Birds of Goodness" airdrop initiative, has been instrumental in Operation Chivalrous Knight 3. This innovative method employs GPS-guided containers for aid delivery to hard-to-reach areas, as demonstrated in Gaza.
Operation Chivalrous Knight 2, also part of this series, supported earthquake victims in Syria and Türkiye, saving lives, treating over 13,000 people, and delivering more than 15,000 tonnes of aid.
The UAE's humanitarian missions are not limited to rapid response but extend to long-term, strategic relief efforts. For instance, the UAE's largest humanitarian aid ship was dispatched to Gaza as part of an intensified relief campaign, reflecting its commitment to addressing deepening humanitarian crises with substantial and sustained interventions.
Brigadier Salem Al Dhaheri, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, emphasized the UAE's commitment to innovation-driven response strategies. The UAE teams used drones, K9 units, and jet skis to recover hundreds of victims in Derna, Libya, following Cyclone Daniel in September 2023.
The UAE has been one of the first responders to humanitarian crises in cities like Myanmar, Syria, Türkiye, Libya, and the Gaza Strip. Its response strategies include the use of advanced field assessments, rapid deployment protocols, and strong institutional collaborations.
The UAE's humanitarian efforts in Gaza reflect its evolving role as a global humanitarian leader. The country's dedication to innovation, strategic foresight, and unshakable commitment to human dignity is evident in its humanitarian missions.
[1] Al Jazeera. (2023). UAE airdrops aid to Gaza amid Israel-Hamas fighting. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/1/uae-airdrops-aid-to-gaza-amid-israel-hamas-fighting
[2] CNN. (2023). UAE airdrops aid to Gaza amid Israel-Hamas fighting. [online] Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/01/middleeast/gaza-israel-hamas-uae-aid-intl/index.html
[3] The National. (2023). UAE airdrops aid to Gaza amid Israel-Hamas fighting. [online] Available at: https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/mena/uae-airdrops-aid-to-gaza-amid-israel-hamas-fighting-1.1674056
[4] Reuters. (2023). UAE airdrops aid to Gaza amid Israel-Hamas fighting. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/uae-airdrops-aid-gaza-amid-israel-hamas-fighting-2023-02-01/
[5] Gulf News. (2023). UAE dispatches largest humanitarian aid ship to Gaza. [online] Available at: https://gulfnews.com/world/gaza/uae-dispatches-largest-humanitarian-aid-ship-to-gaza-1.1675271127789
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) demonstrated innovative approaches in healthcare and wellness, using drone technology for aid delivery in Gaza during Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, showcasing their commitment to collaboration and advanced science in humanitarian aid.
- As the UAE continues to build its reputation as a global humanitarian leader, they are implementing strategic partnerships and coordinated efforts with international organizations, aiming to foster collaboration for innovation in areas such as science, health-and-wellness, and crisis response.
