UAE tops world's foreign aid chart

Accra, April 16, GNA - The United Arab Emirate (UAE) has topped the official 2014 foreign development-aid list as the world's largest donor according to figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Assistance Committee.

A press statement issued by Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, the UAE Minister of International Co-operation and Development, revealed that the Gulf State UAE gave Dh18 billion ($4.89 billion) in 2014, equivalent to 1.17 per cent of its gross national income to top the global aid chart.

The statement indicated that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President of Dubai, who paid tribute to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said; "This confirms the UAE's commitment to its global development mission and to the principles on which UAE was founded. We will continue to reinforce our position as a global hub for humanitarian relief for all those in need of our help".

Responding to the new report that ranked the UAE number one globally for a second consecutive year, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid pointed out that besides its strong levels of official development aid, the UAE is also home to numerous humanitarian and charitable institutions, and a global humanitarian city.

He emphasised that the UAE did not offer assistance conditionally, but cares only to promote welfare and stability for all people.

"The UAE was founded on the principle of doing good and its leaders have always been passionate about helping people. We expect nothing in return for we are driven and guided by the principles of Islam and our Emirati national values', he said.

The statement indicated that according to a data released on Thursday, 9 April 2015, Sweden is in the second position, providing 1.10 percent of its national income, Luxembourg is third with 1.07 percent, followed by Norway in the fourth position providing 0.99 percent, Denmark being fifth with 0.85 percent, while the UK ranked sixth with 0.71 percent and Netherlands in seventh position, with 0.64% of its national income.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, issued a statement on the occasion of the naming of the UAE as the biggest foreign aid provider in the world, relative to its gross domestic income.

According to the statement, Sheikh Zayed who is also a Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces said the UAE had made several achievements in humanitarian and charitable works, and contributed with United Nations authorities and organizations to provide aid for areas hit by crisis and disaster.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister congratulated the Emirati community for its proud achievement and leadership.

He also pledged UAE's continues effort to support healthcare projects in developing countries to aid in eradicating diseases and epidemics particularly with regards to polio and malaria that threaten the lives of millions of people.

GNA