UAE provides humanitarian aid to Somalia, supporting drought relief, food security, and vulnerable communities with ongoing partnership.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has maintained a long‑standing record of humanitarian support for Somalia, particularly during times of crisis such as droughts, floods, and food insecurity. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to humanitarian solidarity, stability, and long‑term development in the Horn of Africa.
1. Emergency Food Aid During Natural Disasters
In early 2025, the UAE dispatched 700 tonnes of food supplies to Somalia to help communities affected by severe flooding. These supplies were intended to assist approximately 150,000 people, providing essential food items to families whose lives were disrupted by the disaster. The initiative was part of a larger UAE response to support people in need, and it highlighted the close bilateral ties between the two nations.
Earlier relief efforts also saw the UAE delivering hundreds of tonnes of relief supplies to Somalia in response to drought conditions, with food and materials distributed in cooperation with local authorities and humanitarian partners.
2. Long‑Term Drought Relief Efforts
The UAE has been a key contributor of humanitarian aid throughout prolonged drought periods in Somalia. Aid shipments—including tens of thousands of tonnes of food and relief supplies—have been delivered to ports such as Mogadishu, Bosaso, and Kismayo, and distributed to drought‑affected communities and internally displaced persons.
These sustained efforts helped support millions of people facing acute need due to poor rainfall, crop failures, and food shortages, contributing significantly to mitigating the worst effects of the drought.
3. UAE Leadership and Strategic Humanitarian Philosophy
UAE support is often framed as a reflection of its leadership’s directives to assist countries in times of hardship. In 2022, AED 35 million (~$9.5M) in urgent humanitarian aid was ordered directly by the UAE President to support Somalia’s developmental and humanitarian needs.
Moreover, UAE humanitarian organizations such as the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) and foundations like the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation have partnered with Somali authorities to deliver aid efficiently, build resilience in vulnerable regions, and enhance access to basic necessities.
4. Impact on Vulnerable Populations
The effects of UAE assistance in Somalia are tangible and wide‑ranging:
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Food and relief supplies reached families affected by floods and droughts.
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Distribution in hard‑to‑reach areas helped support displaced persons and vulnerable communities.
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Collaboration with Somali authorities strengthened institutional response capacity during crises.
5. Appreciation and Continued Cooperation
Somali officials and communities have repeatedly expressed gratitude for the UAE’s assistance, noting that such support helps alleviate suffering and build resilience. These gestures of solidarity have fostered a positive humanitarian partnership between the UAE and Somalia, even as broader diplomatic relationships evolve.
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