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Al Etihad
30-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Outstanding humanitarian role in aid for Gaza and its people
31 July 2025 00:46 MOHAMMED ABDULLA AL-ALIThe columnist is the Chief Executive Officer of the think-tank firm TRENDS Research & AdvisoryIn light of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the absence of any political breakthrough due to the deepening deadlock surrounding this devastating crisis, for which about two million Palestinians are paying the price, the Strip has reached a critical state and unprecedented levels of widespread continued conflict since October 2023, coupled with the collapse of the food supply system and the closure of humanitarian crossings, now threatens the survival of over two million people. Many have already died of starvation, while entire families go days without food, as international bodies warn of an imminent and large-scale humanitarian these dire humanitarian conditions, the UAE, as usual, wasted no time in taking the initiative, resuming airdrops of aid and rapidly intensifying relief efforts by land, air, and goal is to avert an imminent humanitarian catastrophe by every possible means, while mobilising international efforts to pressure all parties into allowing the delivery of life-saving show that the UAE has topped the list of countries providing humanitarian support to the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the conflict, contributing over 42% of the total aid delivered to the Strip. Once aid channels reopened, the UAE dispatched the ship 'Khalifa', its eighth and largest humanitarian vessel, carrying approximately 7,166 tonnes of food and medical supplies, while Emirati airdrops of relief continue across the the ground, humanitarian aid trucks from the UAE, Egypt, and Jordan have resumed entry into the Gaza Strip through key border five Emirati automatic bakeries are operating in Egypt's Al Arish city, supplying daily bread to nearly half a million people in Gaza and helping to alleviate the severe bread shortage inside the Strip. In addition, six water desalination plants are providing approximately 1.2 million gallons of clean water to over 600,000 residents across the aid reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to supporting its Palestinian brothers and sisters during the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It is part of the humanitarian operation 'Chivalrous Knight 3' and a series of initiatives launched by the UAE under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al efforts include medical care for the wounded and sick through a field hospital in Gaza, the treatment of hundreds of injured and ill individuals from Gaza in Emirati hospitals, support for community kitchens across the Strip, and the provision of tents to shelter displaced humanitarian support is making every effort to prevent the collapse of Gaza's health system and the loss of basic necessities of life. The airdropping of aid has helped ease the impact of the devastating humanitarian crisis. Today, the skies over Gaza witness the largest airdrop of Emirati assistance, as the 'Birds of Goodness' continue their missions of delivering food and essential supplies to isolated areas that are inaccessible by land due to the ongoing conflict. Since the launch of the initiative, total aid has reached approximately 3,763 tonnes of food and relief supplies, delivered as part of a deeply rooted humanitarian and moral commitment to support the Palestinian people in particular and humanity at UAE extends its helping hand to Gaza along two parallel paths: one humanitarian and the other political. Since the outbreak of the war, it has tirelessly worked to bring the conflict to an end and explore avenues for a lasting solution, while simultaneously providing humanitarian aid, relief, and medical care for the wounded and sick. These efforts are guided by humanitarian priorities and the realities on the ground, with a clear vision for a sustainable political settlement as the only viable path to breaking the cycle of war, violence, and instability in the region. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi


Al Etihad
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
On International Day of Women in Diplomacy: UAE sets a leading global example
25 June 2025 01:28 By: Shamma Ahmad Al Qutbah, Researcher at TRENDS Research & AdvisoryIn a world where the contours of international relations are drawn behind closed doors and major decisions are formulated in the most precise terms, women have emerged as voices of wisdom and insight in global diplomacy, stating that they are ready for the task and will step in regardless of year on 24 June, the world celebrates the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, a day that honors the remarkable role played by women in shaping the global political landscape and their achievements in leadership and pioneering. It is a day when stories of excellence are shared—stories of women who wrote history through their voices and skills. Women who defied constraints, made meaningful differences in peace negotiations, carried the causes of their people on their shoulders, and championed human values in decision-making circles. They have become the voice of reason in times of crisis and a bridge for convergence between nations and much remains to be done in most countries to achieve gender balance, successful models like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) prove that empowering women in diplomacy is not a distant dream but a reality that can be realised through political will and a clear, future-looking vision. The UAE: A Success Story Where Women Shape the Future of DiplomacyContrary to global trends, the UAE has presented a pioneering model to the world by achieving significant progress in women's empowerment in diplomacy, making it a strategic national priority. Emirati women now help shape the future of the country's diplomacy and occupy distinguished positions in the diplomatic field. One of the most prominent figures who contributed to elevating the UAE's global standing and affirmed the presence of Emirati women in international forums is Her Excellency Lana Nusseibeh, who served as the UAE's Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2013 to 2024. She was the first Emirati woman to hold this prestigious post. During her tenure, she played a central role in strengthening the UAE's positions in the multilateral scene and contributed effectively to highlighting issues such as women's empowerment, peace, and security, particularly during the UAE's membership in the UN Security Council in 2022-2023. Her work demonstrated that Emirati women are capable of driving change and making a difference in the world's most sensitive and complex Excellency Lana Nusseibeh is not an isolated example. She is one of many distinguished Emirati female diplomats, including Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation. Thanks to her leadership experience and negotiation skills, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy has become a cornerstone of UAE foreign policy. She was not only the diplomatic face of Expo 2020 but also a prominent voice in advancing the UAE's soft power globally, particularly in areas such as sustainable development and humanitarian recently, the appointment of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Nowais as Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reflects the UAE's vision of building a new generation of women leaders who combine administrative competence with strategic foresight. It also shows the leadership's strong confidence in the potential of young Emirati women. Today, Emirati women make up 49% of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' workforce and hold 30% of senior leadership positions. Supportive Institutions and a Vision that Knows No ImpossibleIt is noteworthy that the UAE's remarkable achievements in women's empowerment are by no means a coincidence. They are the result of a clear, forward-looking vision and unwavering leadership that recognises no limits to empowerment and no path leading to the impossible. Since its formation, the UAE's leadership has made empowering women a national priority, firmly believing in women's vital role as equal partners in development and decision-making and in the idea that balanced gender participation is fundamental to building a cohesive society. At the forefront of this march stands Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the 'Mother of the Nation,' who has been, and still is, the beating heart of Emirati women's empowerment in all fields, particularly in diplomacy. From the beginning, Her Highness has played a pivotal role in paving the way for Emirati women, supporting them to become key drivers of leadership and change. In 1975, she established the General Women's Union as the primary institution for empowering Emirati women; a platform through which their participation has been activated and nurtured, preparing them to engage fully and competently in political, international, and development Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has also been instrumental in shaping this journey. His decisive vision for women's empowerment marked a turning point. He firmly believes in the capabilities of Emirati women and their vital role in shaping the future of the nation and the world as a whole. Under his leadership, women's empowerment is not a secondary option but a national priority embodied in policies, laws, and practices. Also under his leadership, Emirati women [have been] appointed as ambassadors and permanent representatives in key global capitals and international organisations, affirming his unwavering trust in their the institutional level, the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy has played an effective role in developing and refining female talent in the diplomatic corps. The Academy has provided an advanced learning and training environment grounded in practical experience and international leadership skills, enabling Emirati women to enter the field of diplomacy equipped with knowledge, experience, and the presence of the UN Women Liaison Office in Abu Dhabi reflects the UAE's deep commitment to supporting and empowering women both locally and globally. The office has enhanced coordination between national and international entities and supported initiatives focused on women's roles in peacebuilding and security, further reinforcing the UAE's global standing as a model of gender equality and women's the UAE has gone beyond just offering support and training. It has elevated women to symbols of wise leadership and honorable representation in international arenas and carriers of messages of peace and dialogue. The Emirati model affirms that women's empowerment is a foundational pillar in building an inclusive and sustainable diplomatic future. This is a comprehensive success story, born of a clear vision and firm will that knows no impossible. It reflects the deep-rooted commitment of the UAE to equality and genuine partnership between the genders in all areas of national and international work. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi