logo
UAE innovates to aid disaster-affected communities worldwide

UAE innovates to aid disaster-affected communities worldwide

Al Etihad08-04-2025
8 Apr 2025 14:51
ABU DHABI (WAM) The United Arab Emirates has established itself as one of the world's fastest responders to natural disasters and humanitarian crises, developing innovative approaches that have left a lasting humanitarian impact on millions of lives around the world.From the devastating earthquake in Myanmar to the catastrophic cyclone that hit Libya's Derna, and from the destructive earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, UAE rescue teams have gone beyond emergency response by employing smart and unconventional solutions when traditional methods proved insufficient.
Myanmar On March 31, the UAE urgently dispatched its search and rescue team, comprising members of Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, the National Guard and the Joint Operations Command, to support efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake that struck the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.The team began operations at six sites, working continuously in alternating shifts to accelerate response times and reach as many affected areas as possible in the shortest time.Director-General of Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Brigadier Salem Abdullah bin Barrak Al Dhaheri, affirmed that the UAE continues to strengthen its global standing as a leader in humanitarian work by adopting advanced and innovative approaches to rapidly and effectively respond to crises and natural disasters worldwide.He told WAM that the UAE Search and Rescue Team represents a model of efficient response and deep humanitarian commitment, using the latest technologies in field assessments, damage surveys, search and rescue, and rapid intervention. The team's success is supported by a high level of preparedness, ongoing training and strong institutional partnerships.'The UAE does not view disasters as mere emergencies but as opportunities to foster human solidarity and offer a model for international coordination, cooperation and technology-driven responses, in line with the vision of the UAE's wise leadership to position the nation as a beacon of humanitarianism and a global hub for effective relief,' he said.He added, 'We at Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority take pride in our role and remain committed to further developing our capabilities and readiness to deliver high-level services that reflect our humanitarian mission both within the UAE and abroad.'He noted that the UAE's proven success in previous missions strengthens its reputation as a trusted global contributor to relief efforts, offering aid to affected populations regardless of geographical distance or scale of challenge.
Operation Chivalrous Knight 2 Launched in February 2023, Operation Chivalrous Knight 2 became one of the UAE's most successful humanitarian missions. It provided support to those affected by the devastating earthquake in Syria and Türkiye and lasted over five months.The operation resulted in the rescue of dozens of people from beneath the rubble and the treatment of 13,463 individuals. It also delivered 15,164 tonnes of humanitarian aid via an air bridge involving 260 flights, which transported 6,912 tonnes of urgent supplies including tents, essential food, and medicines. An additional 8,252 tonnes were delivered via four cargo ships carrying relief and reconstruction materials to the affected regions.Upon the earthquake's occurrence, the UAE Search and Rescue Team deployed to locate survivors trapped under collapsed buildings in Syria and Türkiye, playing a heroic role in saving hundreds of lives amid freezing temperatures.
Derna The UAE was among the first countries to send urgent relief aid and search and rescue teams to Libya in September 2023 following the impact of Cyclone Daniel, which resulted in the loss of dozens of lives, injuries, and widespread destruction to homes and infrastructure.The UAE team, comprising more than 91 specialists, operated in the city of Derna, locating hundreds of missing persons and recovering numerous bodies and remains.During operations, the team utilised jet skis, rescue boats, drones and K9 search dogs—proven to be among the most effective tools in locating missing individuals in collapsed structures and rubble.
Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 Ongoing for approximately 518 days, Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 has delivered continuous humanitarian support to those affected in Gaza.Among its most innovative initiatives is the airdrop operation 'Birds of Goodness,' which has successfully delivered 3,700 tonnes of aid across 53 airdrops as of March 21. These operations use specially designed GPS-guided containers to ensure accurate and timely delivery to remote or isolated locations within the Gaza Strip.As of March 21, 2025, the total humanitarian assistance provided under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 has surpassed 65,000 tonnes of food, medical and relief supplies, with an estimated value exceeding $1.2 billion. Aid has been delivered through air, land, and sea routes.
This humanitarian approach reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to delivering timely, effective and innovative relief efforts that strengthen its position as a global leader in humanitarian aid and crisis response.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Arab League condemns Israel's Knesset approval of declaration to impose sovereignty over occupied West Bank
Arab League condemns Israel's Knesset approval of declaration to impose sovereignty over occupied West Bank

Al Etihad

time8 hours ago

  • Al Etihad

Arab League condemns Israel's Knesset approval of declaration to impose sovereignty over occupied West Bank

24 July 2025 23:00 CAIRO (WAM)Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, strongly condemned the Knesset's vote yesterday on a draft law to impose Israeli control over the West Bank, which has been occupied since a statement issued on Thursday, Aboul Gheit said that the draft law is part of a continuous plan to impose a de facto reality aimed at perpetuating the occupation and annexing the occupied Palestinian affirmed that the occupation's attempts to change the legal status of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are unacceptable and have no legal basis. He emphasised that the West Bank is considered occupied territory under international law and recognised as such by the United Nations, and that the Knesset's laws will not alter this unequivocal Gheit called on the international community to firmly confront such legally invalid and morally reprehensible measures. He stressed the importance of adhering to United Nations Security Council resolutions—most notably Resolutions 242 (1967) and 2334 (2016)—as a foundation for ending the occupation, in the face of Israel's efforts to normalize the legal status of the occupation through the annexation of the West Bank. He warned that 'the settler and religious extremist movements inside Israel will drag the entire region into catastrophic religious confrontations if they are not confronted and their obsessive ambitions are not checked.'

UAE showcases global leadership at UN Sustainable Development Forum, commits to 2026 SDG review
UAE showcases global leadership at UN Sustainable Development Forum, commits to 2026 SDG review

Al Etihad

time11 hours ago

  • Al Etihad

UAE showcases global leadership at UN Sustainable Development Forum, commits to 2026 SDG review

24 July 2025 20:03 NEW YORK (WAM)The UAE reiterated its strong commitment to global sustainable development at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development 2025 in New York, emphasising international partnerships and placing human progress at the centre of its vision for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and message capped an active UAE presence at the forum, organised at the UN headquarters by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and attended by global leaders and UAE delegation comprised senior officials from key ministries, national committees, and leading organisations, including the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Investment, Government Experience Exchange Programme (GEEP), General Secretariat of the National Committee on SDGs, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), Noor Dubai Foundation, and Dubai Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, highlighted the UAE's innovative and collaborative approach to international development said, 'We presented models and initiatives that showcase pioneering national development initiatives and reflect the importance of strategic partnerships in accelerating SDG achievement. These included the 2045 XDGs Report that envisions development prospects for the next two decades, and GEEP. We held meetings that focused on continually enhancing multilateral collaborative action to support finding innovative solutions to challenges in health, economic growth, the future of work, biodiversity, and international stability.'He confirmed the start of intensive preparations for the 2026 Voluntary National Review (VNR), to monitor and assess progress toward the 2030 SDGs. This reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability, comprehensive analysis of challenges and opportunities, and identifying future development priorities with participation from government, private sector, and civil society to ensure effort integration and vision unification, based on the UAE's ambitious vision for building a sustainable and inclusive future based on innovation, sustainability, and human noted that preparations are underway for the UAE's 2026 Voluntary National Review, underlining the nation's commitment to transparency, cross-sector collaboration, and a sustainable, inclusive future. The UAE is also preparing to host the UN Water Conference in December 2026, advancing global water UAE reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation and knowledge exchange, spotlighting initiatives that drive climate action, economic growth, and human development. Through high-profile events – including the 'Shaping Tomorrow: UAE Leadership for a Sustainable Future' exhibition – the delegation showcased innovative models and fostered dialogue with global partners. A special session by GEEP expanded the UAE's partnership network to nearly 50 countries and six international organisations, reinforcing its leadership in collaborative launch of the 2045 XDGs Report, which outlines global development priorities beyond 2030 and builds on the momentum of the SDGs to address emerging challenges and opportunities, along with findings from a global survey, further underscored the UAE's active role in shaping sustainable development with forward-looking recommendations for the next two UAE delegation, in partnership with the UAE Consulate General in New York, showcased national leadership in advancing the SDGs through innovation and collaboration. The pivotal role of the Global Councils for SDGs – launched at the World Government Summit – was highlighted as a platform uniting leaders from government, international organizations, academia, and the private sector to accelerate progress through shared organised by the General Secretariat of the National Committee on SDGs focused on promoting gender balance and child welfare, addressing the digital gender gap, and strengthening women's leadership as essential drivers of sustainable growth beyond UAE also hosted a roundtable on reimagining economic growth for people and the planet, and led discussions on economic diplomacy and integrating social and economic objectives for global the Ministry of Interior presented successful cross-border environmental initiatives, such as the Green Shield Operation, which aims to protect biodiversity in the Amazon Basin. Throughout the forum, the UAE strengthened international cooperation by holding 48 bilateral meetings and participating in high-impact Science Day activities. The HLPF on Sustainable Development is the UN's leading platform for SDG review and progress.

Joint Statement on Israel's Knesset approval of declaration to impose sovereignty over occupied West Bank
Joint Statement on Israel's Knesset approval of declaration to impose sovereignty over occupied West Bank

Al Etihad

time16 hours ago

  • Al Etihad

Joint Statement on Israel's Knesset approval of declaration to impose sovereignty over occupied West Bank

24 July 2025 14:54 ABU DHABI (WAM)The United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Indonesia, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the State of Palestine, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Türkiye, the League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), strongly condemn the Israeli Knesset's approval of the declaration calling for the imposition of the so-called 'Israeli sovereignty' over the occupied West Bank, considering it a blatant and unacceptable violation of international law, and a flagrant breach of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, foremost among them Resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), and 2334 (2016), all of which affirm the invalidity of all measures and decisions that seek to legitimise the occupation, including settlement activities in the Palestinian territory occupied since above-mentioned countries reaffirm that Israel has no sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory, stressing that this unilateral Israeli move has no legal effect and cannot alter the legal status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly East Jerusalem, which remains an integral part of the also emphasise that such Israeli actions only fuel the growing tension in the region, which has been exacerbated by the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and the resulting humanitarian catastrophe in the countries call on the international community, including the UN Security Council and all relevant stakeholders, to uphold their legal and moral responsibilities, and implement urgent steps to halt Israel's illegal policies aimed at imposing a fait accompli by force, undermining the prospects for a just and lasting peace, and the two-state solution. Furthermore, the countries reaffirm their commitment to the two-state solution in accordance with resolutions on international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative, and to the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store