UAE dispatches 200-tonne aid shipment to quake-hit Myanmar (VIDEO)
Emirati rescue team honoured for life-saving operations and solidarity
DUBAI: In a swift and coordinated response to the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar, the United Arab Emirates has dispatched more than 200 tonnes of urgent humanitarian aid to the Southeast Asian nation.
This action was taken under the directives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The aid, part of the UAE’s wider humanitarian mission, was mobilised through multiple government and emergency agencies to assist the tens of thousands impacted by the disaster.
The effort reflects the Emirates’ enduring commitment to global humanitarian causes, particularly during large-scale crises.
UAE aid for Myanmar
The relief operation was implemented by the Joint Operations Command in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, the Emirates Red Crescent, the National Guard Command, and Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters. Several airlifts were arranged to deliver vital supplies to the affected areas. The consignment includes essential food provisions, shelter materials, and medical equipment, aiming to support immediate needs and aid in recovery operations.
#UAE delivers urgent humanitarian aid to #Myanmar#WamNews https://t.co/flFH2IPKQd pic.twitter.com/aoftw0JsgM
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) April 11, 2025
This humanitarian mission follows the conclusion of a large-scale search and rescue operation conducted by the UAE Search and Rescue Team. The team, representing multiple UAE entities, operated at six heavily affected sites in coordination with Myanmar authorities and international relief organisations. The search and rescue mission was led by Colonel Muzaffar Mohammed Al Ameri and carried out under the guidance of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Myanmar earthquake
The earthquake, one of the deadliest to hit the region in recent years, claimed at least 3,550 lives and left nearly 5,000 injured. Myanmar, a country already grappling with socio-political turmoil and civil unrest since a military coup in 2021, is now facing an even more critical humanitarian crisis. The catastrophe has left close to 20 million people in need of some form of aid, according to international estimates.
Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein extended his heartfelt gratitude to the UAE for its swift and impactful support. In his remarks, he praised the professionalism and effectiveness of the UAE Search and Rescue Team during an official farewell ceremony at Yangon International Airport. He also acknowledged President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s role in strengthening international solidarity and called the UAE’s assistance a symbol of enduring humanitarian bonds between nations.
Welcome for UAE rescue team
Back in Abu Dhabi, the returning rescue team received an official welcome from Brigadier Salem Abdullah bin Barrak Al Dhaheri, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority. Brigadier Al Dhaheri lauded the team’s dedication and heroic efforts, which, he noted, mirror the UAE’s firm humanitarian values and its readiness to respond to emergencies across the globe. The team’s performance during the mission has further bolstered the UAE’s reputation as a global leader in humanitarian response and crisis management.