ISLAMABAD (APP) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) spent Dh 21.63 billion in foreign aid in 2013 – more than any other nation in the world, Khaleej Times reported. The figure was revealed during the launch of the 2013 UAE Foreign Aid report, in the presence of Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“Our contribution has been predominantly towards development, helping people in the long term, eradicating poverty, establishing education systems and building sustainable life,” said Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development.
According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which records the foreign aid offered by nations around the world, the UAE rose from 0.33 per cent of the global official developmental assistance in 2012 to 1.33 per cent in 2013.
With the help of foreign aid, poverty was reduced by half in the last 20 years and malaria reduced by half in the last 10 years.
The UAE’s Dh21.63-billion contribution was disbursed via 38 donor entities in 145 countries. Of the net amount, 94.6 per cent was for development projects, and the rest divided between charitable assistance (2.9 per cent) and humanitarian aid (2.5 per cent).During the launch of the report, Shaikh Mohammed awarded the 38 entities that contributed to the UAE foreign aid in 2013.
