'Giving is a treasured value among Emiratis'

UAE's giving has materialised into humanitarian works across the world, says Sheikh Mohamed

The UAE has become a humanitarian destination for goodness, giving and affection, thanks to its prudent leadership, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has said.
"Giving is a treasured value deeply embedded by the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to become an authentic, unique approach that characterises the UAE. Giving has been materialised into humanitarian works across the world," said Sheikh Mohamed in a statement on the UAE ranking as the world's top donor by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Development Assistance Committee (DAC).
According to the DAC, the UAE posted the highest official development assistance (ODA) with respect to its Gross National Income (GNI) in 2016 - 1.12 per cent. This is the fourth consecutive time that the UAE has been listed in the report as the most generous nation relative to national income.
"By this top ranking in humanitarian giving, the UAE has once again proven that it is a state whose thought and vision were derived and inspired from great humanitarian principles," said Sheikh Mohamed. "The UAE will always remain committed to rich humanitarian values and principles that give humanity its factors of eternity and great hopes for a better future."
UAE has 'unlimited goodness'
Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, has congratulated the UAE leadership on the occasion. "The UAE leadership, its government and people carry a lasting message of tolerance and good for all. Without discrimination, they strive to achieve happiness and prosperity for all people, provide assistance to the needy and the vulnerable, those affected by natural disasters like floods or hurricanes, and others in war and conflict, regardless of race, sex, colour, religion, creed, or social status," she said.
"The UAE is a country of unlimited goodness which is continuously working to sustain the values of tolerance, giving and coexistence. It constantly works towards the goal of achieving the happiness of people and to serve humanity as a whole," she added.
Supporting the needy
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), stressed the commitment of the UAE to international humanitarian principles and continued support for the underprivileged everywhere.
Sheikh Hamdan underscored the country's keenness on enhancing its humanitarian efforts across the globe and going steadily to follow the same approach aimed to reduce the human suffering and preserve human dignity.
He added that the UAE plays a pivotal role in rallying support for the humanitarian issues that have impact on a number of peoples affected by disasters and crises.
He said the country's contributions and legacy in this field have enabled it to occupy advanced rank in delivery of official development assistance. Sheikh Hamdan renewed the country's commitment towards its humanitarian responsibilities for those affected by catastrophes and crises, stressing the UAE's pivotal role to improve life conditions and safeguard human dignity around the world.
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UAE's principles aim to make humanity happy
Dr Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) stressed that the UAE's ranking reflects the country's commitment to its global humanitarian message and principles.
She added that these principles - "deemed an inspiring model globally in the field of making humanity happy" - coincides with the Year of Giving Initiative and the country's objectives to reach out to those in need everywhere around the world.
Dr Al Qubaisi said: "The figures reflect the attention given by the wise leadership to people everywhere regardless of their race or religion, which is based on the cultural and moral legacy instilled by the forefathers to provide assistance for those who are in need."
The FNC Speaker added that the achievement reflects the UAE citizens' passion for giving which represents a main component of the country's identity and humanitarian personality. - Wam