The UAE allocates USD 5 mn to support UNRWA

The UAE has allocated USD 5 mn to support UNRWA’s humanitarian efforts in Gaza, led by the agency’s chief coordinator Sigrid Kaag, after various countries cut their funding, Wam reports. Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Kaag, reaffirming calls for a ceasefire, and the country’s support for the agency’s efforts.

REMEMBER- The US — the UN Relief and Works Agency’s (UNRWA) biggest donor — along with the UK, Italy, Canada, Finland, and Australia suspended additional funding to UNRWA a week ago, over Israeli allegations that a number of staff members took part in the 7 October attacks.

Also on the Gaza aid front: Another Emirati ship loaded with 4.5k tonnes of aid for Gaza, has embarked for Al Arish, Egypt from the Port of Fujairah, carrying food, shelter materials, and medical aid, as part of the Gallant Knight 3 initiative. So far, the UAE has delivered 15k tonnes of aid to Gaza through 151 flights, via its airbridge. (Wam)

UAE officials discussed investments, the war in Gaza, and economic growth in various meetings and events over the weekend.

#1- Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan reiterated the need for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza during a meeting with US Middle Eastern Affairs Assistant Secretary of State Barbara A. Leaf in Abu Dhabi where they discussed the situation in Gaza and the latest developments in the region, according to a ministry statement.

#2- UAE invests in data centers in Greece: The Investment Ministry inked an MoU with the Hellenic Republic’s Digital Governance Ministry on Friday to develop new data centers in Greece with capacities up to 500 MW, reports Wam. The agreement builds on a previous agreement signed in May 2022 by Abu Dhabi-based investment company ADQ and Greece’s national bank Hellenic Development Bank to jointly pour AED 15.43 tn (USD 4.2 bn) into the Greek economy.

#3- Energy minister discusses investments with Indonesian officials: Energy and Infrastructure Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei discussed increasing bilateral cooperation and potential investments, particularly in the halal industrial products sector, with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Vice President Marouf Amin, and other Indonesian ministers, Wam reports. Al Mazrouei also attended a roundtable with Emirati and Indonesian private sector players, as well as a ceremony breaking ground on Mohammed Bin Zayed College of Future Studies, in Yogyakarta, Wam added.

#4-State minister attends the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum: State minister NouraAl Kaabi headed a high-level delegation to represent the UAE at the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels, the foreign ministry said in a statement. The forum saw discussions on economic growth, strengthening supply chains and the digital transition, and research.

OTHER DIPLO NEWS-

• The Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Mogadishu has reopened its doors after extensive renovations and installation of new medical equipment. (Statement)
• Al Zeyoudi visits Pakistan: Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi met with Pakistani Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar to explore avenues to enhance trade between the countries, Al Zeyoudi said on X.