Emirates Red Crescent Mobilises AED12.5 Million Winter Relief Initiative Across 17 Nations

Under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ERC launches a comprehensive winter aid campaign designed to reach more than 300,000 vulnerable people, from refugees to those facing humanitarian hardship as cold weather intensifies.

As winter approaches, the Emirates Red Crescent has mobilised substantial resources to address the acute suffering that accompanies the season’s harshest conditions. On 2nd November, under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, the organisation launched its 2026–2027 winter aid campaign valued at AED12.5 million.

The initiative extends across 17 countries, with the capacity to benefit more than 300,000 people facing vulnerability. The campaign prioritises refugee communities, displaced populations and those affected by humanitarian crises and severe weather, channelling essential supplies and support to families whose circumstances render them particularly susceptible to winter’s hardship.

At the heart of this endeavour lies a recognition that winter intensifies both humanitarian and living challenges for the world’s most vulnerable populations. The ERC has developed a carefully phased implementation strategy, coordinated with relevant authorities and humanitarian partners both within the UAE and internationally. Special attention is directed towards children, older people, women, and displaced and refugee families, ensuring aid reaches those with the greatest need.

To mark the campaign’s launch, the ERC organised a volunteer event at its Abu Dhabi headquarters, bringing together board members, staff, volunteers and representatives from Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, ADNOC and other partner organisations. The gathering underscored the spirit of collective purpose that characterises the UAE’s humanitarian response.

Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, ERC Secretary-General, reflected on the campaign’s deeper significance. He noted that the initiative embodies the UAE’s humanitarian approach under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and represents the ERC’s unwavering commitment to supporting people affected by crises and disasters. The strong volunteer participation, he emphasised, demonstrated the solidarity that runs through UAE society and the cultural importance placed on charitable work.

The ERC remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding relief and humanitarian programmes and strengthening partnerships under H.H. Sheikh Hamdan’s directives, thereby reinforcing the UAE’s prominent position in regional and international humanitarian efforts.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

This winter campaign reflects Abu Dhabi’s enduring commitment to humanitarian action and its role as a leading force in global relief efforts. The ERC’s work demonstrates how the emirate channels its resources and expertise towards alleviating human suffering, particularly for populations displaced by conflict and crisis. The scale of this initiative, reaching over 300,000 people across 17 countries, positions Abu Dhabi as a centre of compassion and practical support during periods of acute need.

For Abu Dhabi’s communities, the campaign embodies shared values of solidarity and charitable responsibility. The participation of volunteers from financial institutions, energy companies and civil society organisations illustrates how the emirate’s diverse sectors unite behind humanitarian purpose. This collaborative approach strengthens the social fabric while extending the emirate’s influence as a beacon of principled, sustained humanitarian action.

Source: WAM