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'Ramadan is a time of peace': Sudanese in UAE support call for ceasefire during holy month
The UAE has urged warring parties to respect the sanctity of Ramadan by halting hostilities and allowing humanitarian assistance to flow unhindered
- PUBLISHED: Wed 19 Feb 2025, 5:30 AM
Sudanese expatriates and community leaders in the UAE have said they strongly support the country's proposal for a humanitarian ceasefire in Sudan during Ramadan, stressing that it would provide "much-needed relief to families back home. The break in fighting would also ensure essential aid reaches those most affected by the ongoing conflict".
The UAE last week announced additional $200 million in humanitarian aid package during a high-level conference on Sudan in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting was held in collaboration with Ethiopia, the African Union (AU), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
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The Emirati delegation, led by Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, urged warring parties to respect the sanctity of Ramadan by halting hostilities and allowing humanitarian assistance to flow unhindered. The aid pledge brings the UAE’s total contribution to Sudan to $600.4 million since April 2023.
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True brotherhood
Sudanese community members and leaders in the UAE praised the initiative, viewing it as an extension of the UAE's long-standing support for Sudan and describing the humanitarian aid and ceasefire proposal as vital for struggling families.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Mohamed Baha Al Deen, chairman of the Sudanese Community and Club in Abu Dhabi, said: "This support signifies true brotherhood. The UAE has consistently supported Sudan during hard times, reminding us that we are not alone. This aid will bring hope and essential support to many struggling families. We also value the UAE’s call for a ceasefire during Ramadan to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need."
The UAE's commitment to Sudan involves both aid and efforts to promote peace and stability. By calling for a Ramadan ceasefire alongside its $200 million humanitarian pledge, the UAE is aiming to aid and foster a peaceful environment.
Dr Al Amin Jaffar Taha, chairman of the Sudanese Community in UAE, expressed his thanks: "We appreciate the UAE’s leadership and people for their support, especially for those affected by the crisis since April 2023. Their assistance has impacted many Sudanese families over the years. The proposed ceasefire is also an important step for people back home who require relief from the suffering. Ramadan is an opportune time to work towards peace and ensure aid reaches those in need."
Acts of kindness
As Ramadan approaches, Sudanese expats in the UAE hope that all warring parties will respect the spirit of the holy month and allow aid to reach those who need it most.
Murtada Al-Zaylaie, Vice-President of the Sudanese Community in Sharjah, highlighted the significance of both the aid and the ceasefire proposal. He said: "The UAE has been a longstanding ally to Sudan, and they have extended their support once again. Many families are experiencing financial difficulties, and this assistance will provide necessary relief. The UAE’s ceasefire proposal is significant as it would enable people to access food, medical care, and shelter safely during Ramadan."
Goodwill ambassador Aida Abdel Hamid, a Sudanese media personality, commended the UAE's leadership for its humanitarian aid: She noted: "The UAE has a long history of helping those in need, and this pledge is another example of its generosity. The Sudanese people will always remember these acts of kindness. We support the call for a humanitarian ceasefire—our families need urgent relief. Ramadan is a time of peace; we hope all parties will put their weapons down to allow aid to reach those suffering."
Call for ceasefire now
Aisha Abdullah said the UAE’s humanitarian approach, particularly for vulnerable groups demonstrates its commitment to aiding others. “This assistance will help alleviate the hardships faced by many, including women and children. The call for a ceasefire is also crucial, as it would allow people to find food and safety," she added.
Dr Rayan Abdullah Abid, a Sudanese living in Abu Dhabi, also told Khaleej Times: "UAE’s support arrives at a time when many families in Sudan face significant challenges. It’s not just financial assistance—it’s about restoring dignity and hope. We acknowledge the UAE’s contribution. Their call for a Ramadan ceasefire is also an important step that, if observed, could save numerous lives."
Dr Mohamed Osman Omar, another Sudanese expatriate living Abu Dhabi, added: "The UAE has consistently supported us. During this Ramadan, their generosity has been evident once more. We are sincerely appreciative of their assistance. The ceasefire proposal provides hope that our families can receive aid in a secure environment, free from the threat of violence."
For Umaima Hussein, a Sudanese community member in Sharjah, said: “This continuous assistance is significant to us. The UAE has shown support for Sudan. We appreciate the leaders and people of this country. The ceasefire proposal is also crucial—our families back home require peace, even if just during Ramadan."