UAE is thinking beyond war in Yemen

The UAE's approach is above suspicion because we are in charge of the distribution network and we send our own people to work among the dispossessed and hungry.

Mustafa Al Zarooni

Published: Sat 5 Sep 2015, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Sat 5 Sep 2015, 9:54 AM

The UAE's direct approach to assist countries in distress without roping in local or non-government organisations has enhanced its reputation as a major global donor. Our country has developed a unique model to revive regions shaken by conflicts and natural disasters. Our objective is to rebuild economies and lift the masses from poverty and want, while ensuring aid is directly delivered to the oppressed on a regular basis.
Our country seeks nothing in return when it helps neighbours and other countries in need. The UAE's approach is above suspicion because we are in charge of the distribution network and we send our own people to work among the dispossessed and hungry. This system ensures that aid is not diverted by local authorities or organisations, who can steal and sell it in the black market for huge profit.
There have been several instances when aid was pilfered. People suffered because help did not reach them on time. Many governors and heads of some poor countries have become rich overnight. They travel the world seeking funds for their people, but line their own pockets. Some government forces and local governments seize humanitarian aid, including food, and make money out of misery.
But the UAE has clear plans when we reach out and lend a helping hand. We envisage a larger role as a builder of communities by developing infrastructure to meet the needs of countries ravaged by war, strife and natural setbacks.
Take for instance Yemen. We have begun a number of projects in the country in areas where we have regained control from the Houthis. Our plan is to lay roads, build bridges, boost education, promote health, and supply fresh water to ordinary Yemenis reeling from the effects of war. Our role in Yemen goes back ten years but the Houthi invasion pushed back development and we are unafraid to start all over again.
UAE armed forces are now on the ground in the country and our government will start from scratch because we have a responsibility towards the shattered and scarred people of Yemen, who have a right to live in a healthy and safe environment, free of disease and away from strife. We have a moral duty to wipe away their tears and ensure their children go to good schools and colleges and take their country forward.
We have also been involved in Pakistan and Egypt, developing humanitarian projects, which are for the people and not for profit. Our main objective is to fight poverty in the world and provide millions of poor people, who are deprived of essential services, with proper means to live a decent life. Simply lending money and providing relief is not the solution. We are here to stay and spread our prosperity.
UAE projects have a humanitarian and sustainable focus. In our humanitarian role, people receive relief supplies directly from UAE government agencies. With their immediate needs taken care of, we then work with partners and local governments to shore up infrastructure in specific areas. Our efforts have gone a long way to eradicating polio on the Pakistan.
The projects carried out in Pakistan are sustainable and have a long term focus as they encompass every section of society, irrespective of gender, creed or age. We will keep going back to Pakistan to ensure community projects are implemented and local governments are ready to take over from us.
In Egypt, Emirati assistance is making the country stand on its feet again. Our development schemes have opened 900,000 permanent and temporary job opportunities to unemployed youth. These projects include the construction of 100 fully-furnished schools in 17 Egyptian governorates at a cost of about 550 million Egyptian pounds and establishing 78 health clinics in poor areas of 23 governorates at a cost of 250 million Egyptian pounds. New railroad crossings and bridges in three governorates have come up; the capital Cairo will also get 600 public transport buses.
But the most important development was the New Suez Canal which was completed in only none months by Emirati companies who were part of a consortium. Others said such a feat would not be possible, but we made it happen, and Egypt will reap the benefits in the long term as it collects more revenue from canal crossings by ships.
Our role in Yemen has only begun. We are in control of some parts of the country and are providing humanitarian aid to the people. Once security is established, we will rebuild Yemen together with the Yemenis. We have come a long way and there's no turning back from our commitment to the country.
- malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com