The UAE has signed a new cooperation agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to people affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The agreement reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and strengthening international humanitarian efforts during times of crisis.
Under the agreement, the UAE Aid Agency will contribute $15 million to implement a project titled “Protection and Assistance for People Affected by the Conflict in Sudan.” The project is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026, and will continue until the end of the year. It aims to enhance humanitarian response efforts for displaced people and conflict-affected communities across Sudan.
The initiative will focus on delivering life-saving support, including protection services, emergency shelter, healthcare assistance and access to education. These measures are designed to address the immediate needs of families impacted by displacement while also supporting longer-term humanitarian protection.
The agreement was signed by Rashid Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Logistics Support at the UAE Aid Agency, and Dr Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR Senior Advisor and Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The signing took place in the presence of Dr Tareq Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency.
Dr Al Ameri said the agreement is part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to alleviate worsening humanitarian conditions in Sudan since the conflict began. He noted that the UAE has allocated $784 million in humanitarian and emergency aid to support the Sudanese people since the current crisis started.
Over the past decade, from 2015 to 2025, the UAE has provided a total of $4.24 billion in aid to Sudan. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the UAE is the second-largest donor to Sudan since the outbreak of the conflict, after the United States.
The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to standing alongside the Sudanese people and working with regional and international partners to help address the humanitarian crisis. These efforts reflect the country’s long-standing humanitarian values and its dedication to supporting people affected by conflict and natural disasters.
