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Inside RAK’s first aid ship to Gaza to send 4,000 tonnes of supplies before Ramadan
Another humanitarian vessel carrying more than 7,000 tonnes of aid is scheduled to be loaded and dispatched in early February
- PUBLISHED: Thu 22 Jan 2026, 8:22 PM
- By:
- Azza Al Ali
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Ras Al Khaimah is preparing to dispatch its first-ever humanitarian ship to Gaza, carrying 4,000 tonnes of vital relief supplies to support displaced families ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, marking a major milestone in the emirate’s expanding humanitarian and maritime relief operations.
The vessel, named the Saqr Humanitarian Ship, will depart Ras Al Khaimah Port on January 22, bound for Egypt’s Port of Al Arish, with an expected arrival date of February 5. Upon arrival, the cargo will be transferred to the logistics zone of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 before being transported into Gaza at the earliest opportunity.
What’s inside the Saqr Humanitarian Ship?
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The ship is carrying a comprehensive range of humanitarian supplies designed to address urgent needs on the ground. The cargo includes food provisions to support bakeries and communal kitchens, Ramadan food parcels, clothing, blankets, shelter materials, and medical aid to reinforce hospitals and healthcare services in Gaza.
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Hamoud Saeed Al Afari, Relief Operations Coordinator for Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, said the shipment reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to providing rapid and effective humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.
“This vessel carries essential food, medical, and shelter supplies that have been carefully selected based on urgent humanitarian needs, particularly in preparation for Ramadan,” Al Afari said. “Our goal is to ensure that aid reaches families, hospitals, and relief centers as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
He confirmed that this marks the 23rd humanitarian ship dispatched under the UAE’s Gaza relief operations.
Expanding UAE Humanitarian Efforts
Al Afari highlighted the scale of the UAE’s ongoing humanitarian initiatives, including the establishment of a field hospital in Gaza, the operation of an eye hospital in Al Arish, and the construction of six water desalination plants. These efforts are supported by daily water deliveries, continuous backing for bakeries and communal kitchens, and extensive assistance to healthcare facilities.
In addition, the UAE has facilitated the treatment of 1,000 Palestinian children and 1,000 cancer patients within the country, offering advanced medical care and long-term support.
He noted that Ras Al Khaimah Port is participating in humanitarian maritime operations for the first time, joining other UAE ports such as Fujairah, Al Hamriyah in Dubai, and Khalifa Port, which have previously dispatched relief shipments. To date, the UAE has delivered more than 737 humanitarian flights and over 10,000 aid trucks into Gaza, accounting for more than 46 per cent of total international assistance.
Another humanitarian vessel carrying more than 7,000 tonnes of aid is scheduled to be loaded and dispatched in early February, further reinforcing the UAE’s sustained relief pipeline.
Mohammed Al Shareef, official spokesperson for Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, said the ship was fully funded and loaded by the Saqr Mohammed Al Qasimi Foundation for Charity and Humanitarian Work, marking the foundation’s first complete humanitarian ship contribution.
He praised the foundation’s long-standing humanitarian initiatives, including water well drilling projects, bakery support, and assistance to community kitchens.
“The aid cargo was selected based on real-time assessments conducted by UAE field teams, ensuring that every item addresses the most urgent needs of civilians inside Gaza,” Al Shareef said.
He added that the total volume of aid delivered so far under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 has reached 110,000 tonnes, with a total value exceeding $2.6 billion. The UAE currently contributes more than 46 per cent of all international humanitarian assistance provided to Gaza, supporting critical sectors such as healthcare, education, medical services, and essential food supplies.
Azza Al Ali is a reporter from Ras Al Khaimah, dedicated to sharing stories that bring the community’s voices to life. She’s passionate about connecting with people and highlighting what truly matters to them.