The United Arab Emirates has taken significant humanitarian steps by hosting 17,619 Afghans evacuated from Afghanistan since August 2021, prior to their resettlement in third countries. This initiative highlights the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian efforts and its prompt response in times of crisis, reflecting a cooperative spirit with international partners to support the Afghan people amid the extraordinary challenges they faced.
Welcoming Refugees in Abu Dhabi
The “Emirates Humanitarian City,” located in Abu Dhabi, served as a refuge for Afghan citizens, providing them with high-quality services and facilities prior to their departure to 21 final destinations. The total cost of this hosting initiative amounted to approximately 1.348 billion dirhams (367 million dollars). This effort represented a comprehensive umbrella for temporary housing that upheld their human dignity while ensuring all essential needs were met, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and women.
Facilitating Evacuations and International Support
The UAE also played a pivotal role in facilitating the evacuation of 41,000 individuals, including Afghans and foreign nationals residing in Afghanistan. This initiative stemmed from the UAE’s belief in the importance of supporting friendly nations that requested help to evacuate their citizens as they transitioned back to their home countries.
Comprehensive Care and Services
Throughout their stay, Afghan citizens received a range of essential services, including healthcare, logistical support, diplomatic assistance, and housing along with food provisions. These arrangements ensured they had a comfortable and dignified living experience, with financial support aiding families as they settled into their new locations. To streamline the exit procedures for the Afghan citizens, all necessary services related to their departure were made available within the “Emirates Humanitarian City.” This included the opening of 17 offices for the embassies of relevant countries, an office for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and an office for the United Nations International Organization for Migration, among others.
Health and Educational Initiatives
In terms of health services, the UAE implemented exceptional measures to care for the Afghan population in the humanitarian city, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. They secured necessary vaccinations and preventative treatments, administering 34,923 vaccines. The healthcare teams provided ideal healthcare, assisting over 303 newborns and conducting more than 303 surgical operations across various specialties. Additionally, they facilitated medical care for three patients outside the UAE, offering over 254,572 medical services throughout their temporary residence.
On the educational front, the UAE has provided schooling for over 3,764 Afghan children, with approximately 800 children enrolled in educational preschools, accompanied by secure transportation and regular follow-ups. To further support the community, more than 39 educational and training workshops have been organized, benefiting 2,589 Afghan residents and emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to enriching lives through education and professional development.