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Wednesday, Feb 04, 2026
Outside the box.
UAE Commits $500 Million for Sudan Humanitarian Aid at Washington Donor Conference
Abu Dhabi’s substantial pledge aims to bolster relief efforts as international partners seek a truce and expanded support for civilians caught in Sudan’s crisis
The United Arab Emirates pledged a substantial package of humanitarian assistance for Sudan at a major donors’ conference convened in Washington, DC, today, committing USD 500 million to a United Nations fund to address urgent needs arising from the conflict that has devastated the country.
The announcement, made by UAE Minister of State Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, underscores the Gulf state’s long-standing role in providing relief to millions of Sudanese who continue to suffer from violence, displacement and food insecurity.
Addressing participants at the high-profile donor event, Nusseibeh reaffirmed the UAE’s support for efforts to achieve a humanitarian truce and emphasised the importance of reaching civilians with life-saving assistance without politicisation.
She noted that more than thirty million Sudanese—over half the population—now require humanitarian aid, and highlighted the UAE’s decade-long commitment to assisting displaced people and vulnerable communities throughout the conflict.
The Washington gathering, organised to reinvigorate global support for Sudan ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, brought together international partners as part of broader efforts to mobilise funding and encourage a cessation of hostilities.
U.S. Special Envoy for Africa Massad Boulos said he expected total new pledges of around USD 1.5 billion at the conference, including additional assistance from the United States itself.
In her remarks, the UAE minister reaffirmed the nation’s long-term assistance record, noting that since 2023 the UAE has provided hundreds of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to support relief operations and resilience programmes for Sudanese people both inside the country and in neighbouring states hosting refugees.
She also reiterated calls for an inclusive, civilian-led political process to secure a sustainable peace and facilitate effective delivery of aid across all affected regions.
The pledge positions the UAE as one of the leading contributors at the donor conference and reflects its sustained diplomatic engagement in the region’s humanitarian challenges.
Officials said the funding will be channelled through United Nations mechanisms to ensure coordinated delivery of food, medical supplies, shelter and other essential services to the most vulnerable populations at this critical juncture.
The announcement, made by UAE Minister of State Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, underscores the Gulf state’s long-standing role in providing relief to millions of Sudanese who continue to suffer from violence, displacement and food insecurity.
Addressing participants at the high-profile donor event, Nusseibeh reaffirmed the UAE’s support for efforts to achieve a humanitarian truce and emphasised the importance of reaching civilians with life-saving assistance without politicisation.
She noted that more than thirty million Sudanese—over half the population—now require humanitarian aid, and highlighted the UAE’s decade-long commitment to assisting displaced people and vulnerable communities throughout the conflict.
The Washington gathering, organised to reinvigorate global support for Sudan ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, brought together international partners as part of broader efforts to mobilise funding and encourage a cessation of hostilities.
U.S. Special Envoy for Africa Massad Boulos said he expected total new pledges of around USD 1.5 billion at the conference, including additional assistance from the United States itself.
In her remarks, the UAE minister reaffirmed the nation’s long-term assistance record, noting that since 2023 the UAE has provided hundreds of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to support relief operations and resilience programmes for Sudanese people both inside the country and in neighbouring states hosting refugees.
She also reiterated calls for an inclusive, civilian-led political process to secure a sustainable peace and facilitate effective delivery of aid across all affected regions.
The pledge positions the UAE as one of the leading contributors at the donor conference and reflects its sustained diplomatic engagement in the region’s humanitarian challenges.
Officials said the funding will be channelled through United Nations mechanisms to ensure coordinated delivery of food, medical supplies, shelter and other essential services to the most vulnerable populations at this critical juncture.
