6 September 2026 01:05 AM| Last Updated: 6 September 01:08 2026
On International Charity Day, the United Arab Emirates continues to embody its humanitarian spirit, inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His commitment to charity and humanitarian work established a culture of giving and solidarity among nations, aiming to alleviate human suffering globally.
Operation “Al-Faris Al-Shahim 3” in Gaza
Since 5 November 2023, the initiative titled “Al-Faris Al-Shahim 3,” launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has provided humanitarian and relief support to Palestinians in Gaza amidst challenging humanitarian conditions. The program began with the preparation of humanitarian aid in the UAE, which was then transported by sea and air to the Egyptian city of Al Arish. There, it is consolidated in a comprehensive logistics centre before being delivered overland to Gaza, ensuring timely support to those in need and enhancing response capabilities to the escalating demands.
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Comprehensive Humanitarian Aid
The UAE’s efforts have also involved airborne aid drops under the “Birds of Goodness” initiative, delivering essential supplies to areas that are difficult to access by land. Furthermore, a fully equipped Emirati hospital has been established in Rafah to offer medical and therapeutic services to those injured and unwell, along with a floating Emirati hospital in Al Arish, which has supported the health sector by accommodating cases needing urgent specialized care.
In addition to health initiatives, the UAE has implemented water desalination stations and projects aimed at providing water, recognizing its vital role in safeguarding public health and meeting daily needs. Support has also been extended to community kitchens, soup kitchens, and bakeries, offering meals and essential bread to families, while community initiatives targeted various segments of society.
Fostering Hope and Resilience
Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to hope, the “Wedding of Joy” initiative organized a mass wedding in the sector, granting dozens of youth a chance to revive elements of joy and life, despite harsh circumstances. Such initiatives affirm that Emirati generosity is not a temporary response but a steadfast approach to solidarity and the preservation of human dignity. Through “Al-Faris Al-Shahim 3” and “Birds of Goodness,” the UAE continues to build bridges of hope, ensuring that its fountain of giving remains ever-flowing and that humanity will remain a core message conveyed across the globe.
Coordination with Humanitarian Agencies
The Emirati field hospital in Gaza welcomed a delegation from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), including Ramiz Akbarov, Humanitarian Coordinator; Suzana Kaltyk, Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator; Paula Emerson, OCHA Office Director in the Palestinian territories; and Tahir Ibrahim, OCHA Office Director in Gaza. The meeting focused on the latest developments in humanitarian and health conditions and ways to enhance coordination and collaboration to meet the humanitarian needs of the local population.
