UAE praised for issuing foreign aid annual report

Officials both in the UAE and abroad have praised ‘UAE Foreign Aid 2009’, the first in a series of annual reports, recently launched in Abu Dhabi by the UAE Office for the Coordination of Foreign Aid (OCFA) under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The report was prepared as per the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and President of OCFA.

‘UAE Foreign Aid 2009’ is the result of extensive collaboration among UAE donors and marks the first major milestone for OCFA in its efforts to document UAE foreign aid and secure recognition for the UAE as an important global donor.

It details the activities of UAE-based donors, broken down by donor organisation, country of operation and sector of activity and will help promote comprehensive documentation for accountability and future planning of UAE foreign aid efforts.

The information in the report will be recorded with international bodies, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations, as part of OCFA's efforts to help secure international recognition for the UAE's programmes and contributions around the world.

Statements from several officials praised the report and commended OCFA for its efforts to document UAE foreign aid flows. The officials also acknowledged the commitment of the UAE's leadership to global humanitarian and development issues.

Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, said: "I was extremely heartened to learn that over 90 countries across the globe have benefited last year alone from the billions in funds that were contributed by the UAE towards humanitarian, development and charity projects. This will help secure international recognition for the UAE's immense global humanitarian effort.”

Sir John Holmes, Under-Secretary General and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said: "The ‘UAE Foreign Aid 2009’ report represents a major step in the UAE’s approach to international development assistance and humanitarian action. Its publication helps put in its true light the UAE's role as an important and generous donor of humanitarian and development assistance and its commitment to help people in need around the world."

Filipo Grandi, Commissioner General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), said: "For the first time, the UAE has issued a report that will help to define the strategic orientation of its foreign aid. Only with data and information such as the one provided in the report can the UAE enhance its capacity to deliver assistance to those around the world who are in need. This report is also important in promoting transparency and accountability for the UAE's foreign assistance programmes, and in signalling that the UAE values its role as a responsible global citizen.”

Dr Mukesh Kapila, Undersecretary General, National Society and Knowledge Development International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva, said: "I think this is an excellent exercise in both coordination and transparency and very helpful to donors, receivers, partners alike. I wish other countries could also produce such national reports setting out in one place the assistance of all their national entities."

Gilles Beschoor Plug, Ambassador of the Netherlands in Abu Dhabi, said: "It shows the enormous commitment by the UAE in the field of humanitarian and development assistance, a commitment that is shared by the people and government of the Netherlands. The report also bears witness of the great efforts of OCFA to support and improve this commitment. It is not an easy task mapping foreign aid in a country that is blessed with so many donors that, in 2009 alone, have provided humanitarian and development assistance to more than 90 countries worldwide."

Wolfgang Amadeus Bruelhart, Ambassador of Switzerland in Abu Dhabi, said: "The report confirms the UAE is one of the most important donors in the international community, responding to global challenges by delivering much needed humanitarian aid and support around the world. Switzerland - also an important donor - is interested in working together with the UAE in the field of humanitarian aid and rescue and to have close collaboration and common projects in the near future."

Elissar Sarrouh, UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative, said: "The report deserves international recognition. It sets an example of foreign aid with human face, demonstrates a deep commitment to a better and peaceful world and firm contribution to achieving the MDGs."

Kayan Jaff, Head of Mission, UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation in the UAE, said: "This report is a milestone in the UAE's efforts to be an important donor in the international foreign aid arena. The report also reinforces the mandate of OCFA, which was established to, among other things, be the data warehouse of information on UAE foreign aid flows, which is key to strengthening the UAE's delivery of aid to countries in recession."

Dr Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General of Dubai's Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, said: "There is no doubt this country, under its visionary leadership, is known worldwide for its humanitarian, development and charitable initiatives. The report will help highlight these initiatives and raise the profile of the UAE worldwide. We extend our thanks to the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and President of OCFA, for this great achievement."

The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation issued the following statement: "The publication of the first annual report on UAE foreign aid is a major milestone in efforts to provide a comprehensive and accurate account of humanitarian and development projects implemented by UAE donors. The report also serves as an important reference for humanitarian workers. The efforts of the UAE Office for the Coordination of Foreign Aid in documenting such assistance will help highlight the UAE as a leading, global donor."

‘UAE Foreign Aid 2009’ shows that in 2009 the UAE contributed Dh8.93 billion to humanitarian, development and charity projects in more than 90 countries across the globe.

The single biggest recipient of aid was Yemen, where UAE donors to contributed a total of Dh2.84bn in assistance. Other major recipients of the UAE's aid included Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Palestinian Territories.

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development was the largest UAE donor, contributing or administering Dh4.95bn in grants and loans, or more than half of total aid, followed by the government, which includes a number of government ministries, departments and agencies active in the field of foreign assistance, which gave Dh3.06bn.

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