Abu dhabi: As part of its humanitarian commitment and swift response during crises, the UAE hosted 17,619 Afghans evacuated from Afghanistan since August 2021, prior to their resettlement in third countries. This initiative was conducted in cooperation with international partners to support the Afghan people amid the country’s exceptional circumstances.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi accommodated the Afghan evacuees, providing high-quality services and facilities before their departure to 21 final destinations. The total hosting cost amounted to AED 1.384 billion (USD 367 million), offering a comprehensive framework for dignified temporary accommodation that addressed the full range of needs, particularly for children, the elderly, and women.
The UAE also facilitated the evacuation of 41,000 individuals from Afghanistan, including Afghan citizens and foreign nationals residing in the country. Driven by its commitment to supporting friendly nations, the UAE responded to requests for assistance in evacuating their citizens from Afghanistan and facilitating their eventual return home.
During their stay, the UAE provided all essential needs to Afghan nationals, including healthcare, logistical and diplomatic services, and communications, in addition to shelter and food. Financial assistance was also provided to help families rebuild their lives in their final destinations.
To facilitate the resettlement process, all necessary departure services were provided within the Emirates Humanitarian City. This included the establishment of 17 embassy offices, along with offices for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and two offices for international non-governmental organisations.
In the healthcare domain, the UAE undertook extensive efforts to care for residents of the Emirates Humanitarian City. These efforts included providing necessary vaccines and preventive treatments, with a total of 34,923 vaccines administered. Comprehensive healthcare services were also offered to more than 303 newborns, while successfully completing over 303 surgeries across various specialties. In total, more than 254,572 medical services were provided throughout their temporary stay.
In education and vocational training, the UAE provided education to more than 3,764 Afghans, including approximately 800 children. Authorities also organized more than 39 educational courses, in addition to vocational training and development workshops, benefitting 2,589 Afghan nationals.
The Emirates Humanitarian City facilities include outdoor courtyards, playgrounds, and entertainment facilities dedicated to children, women, and the elderly, in addition to a preventive healthcare centre. Residents also have access to necessary means for sustenance, including medicine, food, and other essential supplies.
The UAE is among the leading countries in providing aid to Afghanistan. Over the past three years alone, the UAE has provided AED 740 million in humanitarian and relief aid, including the establishment of an air bridge to deliver hundreds of tonnes of relief and food supplies, benefitting more than one million people. The UAE also provided medical assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and opened healthcare centres across Afghan provinces.