Jakarta (Indonesia Window) — Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Indonesia and Timor-Leste Abdulla Salem AlDhaheri has recently reaffirmed that humanitarian diplomacy remains a cornerstone of the UAE’s foreign policy, describing it as a moral commitment rooted in the vision of the country's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Speaking recently about the UAE’s international engagement, Ambassador AlDhaheri emphasized that humanitarian action is not merely a diplomatic tool but a guiding principle that shapes the country's relations with the global community.

According to Ambassador AlDhaheri, under the leadership of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has adopted a proactive approach that combines rapid emergency response with long-term efforts to support recovery, resilience, and sustainable development.

“Protecting human dignity and alleviating suffering are shared global responsibilities that transcend borders and ethnicities,” he said, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations worldwide.

Ambassador AlDhaheri revealed that the UAE has provided more than AED 375 billion (over 102 billion U.S. dollars) in international assistance since its founding, reaching more than one billion people across all continents.

The scale of this support has positioned the UAE among the world's leading donors in humanitarian relief and sustainable development.

One of the latest examples of this commitment is the UAE’s pledge of 550 million US dollars to support the United Nations’ Global Humanitarian Overview, a key international initiative aimed at delivering emergency assistance to millions of people affected by conflicts, disasters, and humanitarian crises.

“The commitment underscores the UAE’s strong partnership with the United Nations humanitarian system and its support for multilateral action to ensure that aid reaches those most in need in a timely and effective manner,” the ambassador said.

According to him,  the UAE’s humanitarian diplomacy extends far beyond immediate crisis response.

The country increasingly focuses on helping communities build resilience against future challenges, particularly those linked to climate change, water scarcity, and energy insecurity.

This includes investments in clean energy projects, water security initiatives, and partnerships designed to strengthen long-term preparedness and sustainable development.

He stressed that humanitarian action and development efforts must go hand in hand, enabling countries to transition from emergency response to lasting stability and self-reliance.

Ambassador AlDhaheri also highlighted the UAE’s growing role in connecting humanitarian assistance with climate adaptation and sustainable development goals.

Building on the landmark ‘UAE Consensus’ adopted during the UN Climate Change Conference COP28, the country is advocating for practical international cooperation that links humanitarian response with climate resilience, water security, and energy access.

As co-host of the ‘2026 UN Water Conference’ alongside Senegal, the UAE plans to advance global partnerships aimed at addressing water challenges while supporting vulnerable communities worldwide.

The ambassador said the UAE’s humanitarian diplomacy reflects a broader foreign policy based on dialogue, cooperation, and bridge-building among nations.

By working closely with international organizations and partners on the ground, the UAE seeks not only to respond to emergencies but also to contribute to a more stable, resilient, and prosperous global community.

“As humanitarian crises continue to grow in scale and complexity worldwide, the UAE remains committed to expanding international cooperation and delivering practical solutions that protect lives and support sustainable development,” Ambassador AlDhaheri said.

Reporting by Indonesia Window