UAE dispatches humanitarian assistance to Colombia in coordination with Paraguay
Under directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the UAE has sent aid from a USD10 million package to help communities affected by the Colombian earthquake, using Paraguayan production and logistics to accelerate delivery.
UAE mobilises relief for Colombian earthquake victims with Paraguayan support
Abu Dhabi, 20 September 2026 – The United Arab Emirates has dispatched humanitarian assistance to communities and survivors of the earthquake that struck the Republic of Colombia, acting on directives from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President.
The operation forms part of a USD10 million humanitarian package announced by the UAE through the UAE Aid Agency to support those affected by the disaster. The response aims to meet urgent needs on the ground by speeding delivery of essential relief supplies and by aligning assistance with the priorities of affected populations.
To accelerate deliveries and strengthen regional coordination, the UAE has partnered with the Republic of Paraguay. The initiative leverages Paraguay’s production capacity and regional logistics networks to purchase relief items directly from Paraguayan markets for transport to Colombia. Officials say this approach not only expedites aid to the most affected areas but also supports local suppliers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, described the assistance as an expression of the UAE’s solidarity with Colombia and its people, emphasising the importance of tailoring support to the actual priorities and needs of those affected by the earthquake. She also conveyed appreciation for Paraguay’s cooperation in providing and transporting humanitarian supplies and underscored the value of coordinated regional efforts in responding to urgent humanitarian needs.
Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Paraguay, affirmed the Government of Paraguay’s support for the joint humanitarian effort, commending the UAE’s solidarity and its contribution to assisting the affected population.
The UAE Aid Agency’s use of regional procurement and logistics illustrates a broader trend in humanitarian response towards sourcing closer to crises to reduce transit times and stimulate regional economies. By purchasing supplies from Paraguay for delivery to Colombia, the initiative seeks to balance speed of delivery with support for local and regional suppliers.
Further shipments and details of the aid composition were not disclosed in the WAM dispatch. The UAE continues to monitor needs and coordinate with partners to ensure assistance reaches vulnerable communities in Colombia.
Source: WAM