By Mohammed Al-Awadhi

Over the course of ten years, the United Arab Emirates has emerged as a key actor in supporting Yemen on humanitarian, military, and development levels, during one of the most complex periods in the country’s modern history.

Since its engagement within the Arab Coalition, the UAE has provided a multifaceted model of support that went beyond the military dimension to include humanitarian relief, institutional rehabilitation, and efforts to promote stability in liberated areas.

Military and Security Support to Protect Stability

The UAE played a pivotal role in supporting counterterrorism efforts by training and qualifying local forces that contributed to dismantling extremist networks and protecting coastal cities and vital corridors. This role helped restore relative security across wide areas and secure critical facilities and ports, positively impacting trade movement and the delivery of humanitarian supplies.

Large-Scale Humanitarian Support

On the humanitarian front, the UAE implemented thousands of relief projects through its agencies and institutions, targeting the health, food, water, and education sectors. Assistance was provided to millions of Yemenis across various governorates without discrimination, amid extremely difficult humanitarian conditions.

These efforts helped alleviate daily suffering and strengthen the resilience of local communities.

Reconstruction and Local Development

The UAE’s presence was not limited to emergency relief; it extended to reconstruction and sustainable development projects, including the rehabilitation of ports, roads, airports, hospitals, and schools.

The UAE also supported initiatives to improve basic services, particularly in the electricity and water sectors, contributing to the restoration of normal life in several cities.

Local Partnerships and Capacity Building

The UAE focused on building partnerships with local authorities and civil society, supporting training and capacity-building programs for youth and local cadres, thereby enhancing the ability of institutions to manage their affairs efficiently.

This approach helped create an institutional nucleus capable of continuity, service delivery, and reduced dependence on external support in the future.

Balanced Diplomatic and Humanitarian Engagement

Politically, the UAE maintained an approach that combined support for Yemen’s legitimate government with participation in regional and international efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

It also prioritized coordination with regional and international partners to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid and to support de-escalation and stability pathways.

A Decade of Giving: A Conclusion

After ten years, it is clear that the UAE’s role in Yemen has been characterized by diversity and comprehensiveness, ranging from security support to humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and capacity building.

Despite the complexities of the Yemeni landscape, these efforts have served as an important pillar of stability in several areas, alleviated humanitarian suffering, and supported Yemenis’ hopes for a safer and more stable future.