Since April 2023, Sudan has descended into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with escalating violence forcing more than 10 million people to flee their homes, both internally and across borders, according to media citing UN refugee data. Amid this devastation, the United Arab Emirates has emerged as the largest single humanitarian supporter, delivering a rapid, comprehensive response aimed at saving lives and easing suffering.
Inside Sudan, the UAE implemented direct field relief operations that bypassed bureaucratic obstacles. Continuous air and sea bridges transported thousands of tonnes of food, medical, and shelter supplies to Port Sudan and Wad Madani airport. The UAE also established a fully equipped field hospital in Port Sudan, providing surgical and critical care services and helping to ease pressure on overstretched health facilities.
Humanitarian assistance extended beyond emergency relief to include early recovery programmes, such as supplying water and sanitation equipment to prevent the spread of disease in displacement areas.
Through indirect channels, the UAE supported UN agencies by funding food distribution and cash assistance programmes, while also helping maintain medical supply chains. This diversified approach ensured aid reached the most vulnerable groups quickly and efficiently, according to media.
Outside Sudan, the UAE provided safe haven for Sudanese nationals on its territory, issuing directives to protect residents from deportation and granting free grace periods to regularise their legal status. Government hospitals were instructed to treat Sudanese patients and war wounded free of charge, while accommodation was provided for accompanying family members.
In neighbouring countries, including Uganda and Kenya, the UAE supported refugee shelter and food security programmes through international agencies, with a focus on protecting vulnerable groups and strengthening coexistence with host communities.
Financially, UAE humanitarian pledges exceeded 135 million US dollars. These included an urgent five million dollar contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross for surgical operations, a landmark 100 million dollar pledge at the Geneva conference split equally between direct and international assistance, 20 million dollars to support refugee response plans, and 10 million dollars to strengthen food programme logistics in Port Sudan. According to media, these figures place the UAE among the leading global donors to the Sudan response.
Analysts say this humanitarian effort reflects an integrated UAE strategy built on partnerships between national charitable institutions and international agencies, supported by joint field monitoring mechanisms to ensure aid delivery and assess impact. This approach has helped close critical gaps in health, food security, and protection, while also contributing to regional stability amid one of the most complex humanitarian crises in recent years.
