The United Arab Emirates continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid, particularly towards the Palestinian people. Today, Sunday, marked the commencement of on-the-ground preparations at the Dubai Exhibition Centre – Expo City for “The Mohammed bin Rashid Humanitarian Ship,” a massive undertaking designed to deliver over 10 million meals to those in need in the Gaza Strip. This initiative falls under the umbrella of “Operation Gallant Knight 3,” a comprehensive UAE effort to support our Palestinian brothers and sisters and address the urgent needs of Gaza’s residents.
جهود الإمارات الإنسانية لغزة: تجهيز “سفينة محمد بن راشد الإنسانية” (UAE Humanitarian Efforts for Gaza: Preparing “The Mohammed bin Rashid Humanitarian Ship”)
The scene at Expo City was one of remarkable solidarity. Hundreds of volunteers, including Emirati citizens, residents, and even children, flocked to the center early in the morning, all driven by a desire to contribute to the relief of Gaza. The halls quickly filled with the energy of organized teams and the focused activity of volunteers meticulously assembling food parcels. It wasn’t merely preparation; it transformed into a vast, active hub of humanitarian work, with tables laden with diverse foodstuffs and a constant flow of action indicating a race against time.
A Collective Response to a Humanitarian Crisis
The outpouring of support highlights the deep connection felt by the UAE community with the Palestinian cause. The initiative, launched by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) on November 25th, specifically appealed to all members of UAE society to participate in preparing the meals and providing support. This was not simply a top-down directive, but a call to action that resonated deeply, resulting in today’s impressive volunteer turnout. The speed and scale of the response clearly demonstrate the nation’s compassionate spirit.
محتويات السلال الغذائية وأهميتها (Contents of the Food Parcels and Their Importance)
Each food parcel is designed to sustain a family of five for a full week. Careful consideration has gone into each parcel’s composition, which includes 20 different food items. This deliberate focus on variety and nutritional value ensures the packages cater to all age groups, providing essential sustenance during this critical period. The focus isn’t just on quantity, but on providing quality food, recognizing the importance of a balanced diet even amidst hardship. This thoughtful approach to المساعدات الغذائية (food aid) sets this initiative apart.
تاريخ من العطاء: مبادرات سابقة لـ “مبادرات محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم العالمية” (A History of Giving: Previous Initiatives by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives)
This latest endeavor is merely an extension of the long-standing support MBRGI offers the Palestinian people in Gaza. In January 2024, the organization announced a contribution of AED 43 million (USD 11.7 million) in direct food aid, benefiting one million individuals in collaboration with the World Food Programme. Moreover, in 2023, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, directed AED 50 million in urgent assistance to the Palestinians.
Furthermore, “Dubai Humanitarian” swiftly delivered an urgent relief shipment of 71.6 tons of essential medical supplies to the Gaza sector via the Egyptian port of Al-Arish in September 2024. MBRGI also pledged approximately AED 37 million (USD 10 million) in January 2024 to bolster the healthcare sector in Gaza, specifically aiming to provide vital medical necessities, particularly for children. This ongoing دعم إنساني (humanitarian support) underscores the UAE’s dedication.
MBRGI’s Overall Impact
The sheer scale of MBRGI’s efforts is noteworthy. As the largest charitable and humanitarian organization in the region, MBRGI’s total expenditure in 2024 exceeded AED 2.2 billion, reaching approximately 149 million people across 118 countries. This impact is channeled through five core pillars: humanitarian aid and relief, healthcare and disease control, education and knowledge dissemination, future innovation and leadership, and community empowerment. Within the humanitarian aid and relief sector specifically, MBRGI allocated over AED 944 million in 2024, aiding more than 37 million individuals globally. The focus on comprehensive العمل الإنساني (humanitarian work) isn’t simply about immediate relief, but about fostering long-term resilience.
أهمية “سفينة محمد بن راشد الإنسانية” و رسالة أمل (The Importance of “The Mohammed bin Rashid Humanitarian Ship” and a Message of Hope)
Preparing “The Mohammed bin Rashid Humanitarian Ship” is a powerful symbol of the UAE’s ongoing commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people. It represents a practical and substantial effort to address the acute food insecurity afflicting Gaza. Beyond the provision of essential supplies, this initiative carries a vital message of hope and solidarity to a population enduring immense hardship. The UAE remains steadfast in its support for a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian cause. The successful deployment of this مبادرة إنسانية (humanitarian initiative) will undoubtedly provide critical relief and demonstrate the UAE’s enduring commitment to the people of Palestine.
This project is a demonstration of the UAE’s belief in the power of collective action and the importance of standing in solidarity with those in need. The swift mobilization of resources and the enthusiastic participation of the community highlight the nation’s humanitarian values and its dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
