UAE residents' big heart: 3 out of 4 donate

A vast majority of UAE residents (73 per cent) made a contribution to an international humanitarian cause in the past year, of which 43 per cent donated in excess of $100 (Dh367) each year.

This is according to a report Humanitarianism in the UAE released by NRS International, a Dubai-based family-run company that develops and manufactures products for the humanitarian aid, public health and development sectors.

The report underlines the level of humanitarianism among UAE residents, and the survey shows that people living in the country score high on this list. 

“Countries across the world need our help to end the suffering of millions of people, and we applaud the massive contribution made by people living in the UAE,” said Farhaj Sarwar, Managing Director, NRS International.

Most residents (86 per cent) believe that it is important to contribute to such causes in the aftermath of natural disaster and war, and 80 per cent are likely to continue their support of international humanitarian causes in the coming year.

However, at the same time, the majority (76 per cent) underestimate the global challenges and do not know that 60 million people are displaced. 

The report also highlights that one in four UAE residents have family or friends who are affected by a natural disaster or humanitarian crisis.

As per UN data, the number of people displaced worldwide has hit a new record. The global agency put 5.3 million people have forced from their home as of the end of 2015.

The current humanitarian crisis has been the most serious since the end of World War II. A staggering 60 million people, representing one in every 122 humans, is now either a refugee, internally displaced, or seeking asylum.

The UAE has established a pivotal role in international efforts to combat humanitarian challenges, and has a strong presence in emergency and long-term humanitarian aid efforts all around the world.

According to the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the UAE was the biggest donor of foreign aid in 2014.

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