UAE to mark Zayed Humanitarian Day 2026 with global aid focus
Humanitarian projects in Gaza, Sudan, and beyond continue unabated
ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will mark Zayed Humanitarian Day tomorrow, observed annually on 19th Ramadan, coinciding with the anniversary of the passing of the nation’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The occasion reflects the country’s enduring commitment to the humanitarian vision he championed.
Zayed Humanitarian Day highlights the UAE’s deep-rooted dedication to giving, a hallmark of Sheikh Zayed’s leadership. Under his guidance, the UAE emerged as a leading donor nation, providing humanitarian and relief aid worldwide, strengthening its reputation as a major supporter of those in need.
Zayed Humanitarian Day
In 1971, Sheikh Zayed established the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, cementing the UAE’s commitment to international aid. He further launched the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation in 1992, now known as Zayed for Good Foundation, which continues to implement projects both domestically and abroad.
Between 1971 and 2004, the UAE provided around Dh90.5 billion in humanitarian and development aid to countries across the globe. Sheikh Zayed’s contributions earned him international recognition, including the Golden Document from the International Organisation of Foreigners in Geneva (1985), the Man of the Year Medal in Paris (1988), the Arab League’s Ribbon of Development and Environment Award (1993), and the Golden Medal of Arab History from the Moroccan Historians Association (1995).
Humanitarian legacy
Sheikh Zayed’s vision continues through UAE initiatives spanning food assistance, development projects, refugee support, empowerment of vulnerable communities, and the enhancement of healthcare and education sectors in less fortunate nations.
This year, Zayed Humanitarian Day coincides with ongoing major initiatives during Ramadan. The 11.5 campaign aims to save five million children worldwide from hunger, while Ramadan programmes organised by the Emirates Red Crescent are expected to benefit over 1.5 million people inside the UAE and across 44 countries.
Regional support
The UAE remains a key supporter of the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip. In February, during the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council, the country pledged an additional US$1.2 billion to Gaza. Data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs shows that the UAE has been the largest donor to Gaza throughout 2024, 2025, and early 2026, contributing around 50 percent of total international aid, exceeding US$4.2 billion.
The UAE has also committed US$500 million to address urgent humanitarian needs in Sudan, adding to more than US$4.24 billion in support over the past decade, including US$800 million provided since 2023.