By Diing Magot
The United Arab Emirates has pledged $500 million to support humanitarian efforts in Sudan, announced during a high-level donor conference in Washington on February 3, 2026. The commitment, directed to a newly established United Nations-managed fund, represents one of the largest single contributions to date for addressing the country’s devastating civil war.
The event, co-hosted by U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher and U.S. senior adviser for Arab and African affairs Massad Boulos, aimed to mobilize fresh funding and diplomatic momentum toward a potential truce. UAE Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh, leading her country’s delegation, emphasized the urgent needs of Sudan’s population, noting that more than half require immediate access to food, medical care, shelter, and other essential support.
Nusseibeh called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities” to enable aid delivery, while expressing hope for progress toward peace. She avoided direct mention of longstanding allegations that the UAE has provided support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), claims that Abu Dhabi has repeatedly denied.
The United States contributed an additional $200 million for Sudan as part of a broader $2 billion humanitarian allocation. Boulos indicated expectations of up to $1.5 billion in total new pledges from participants, though other attending nations offered general support without specific figures. Combined UAE and U.S. commitments launched the Sudan Humanitarian Fund with an initial $700 million.
Sudan’s conflict, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters. Over 10 million people have been displaced, with famine warnings issued in multiple regions due to disrupted agriculture, markets, and aid routes.
This latest UAE pledge builds on the country’s prior assistance, including billions in aid-related support since 2015 and significant humanitarian contributions since the war’s outbreak. The Washington conference sought to channel resources more effectively while advancing negotiations, with U.S. officials reporting some progress on partial withdrawal plans, though a comprehensive ceasefire remains elusive.
As international attention intensifies on Sudan’s underreported crisis, the donor initiative highlights coordinated efforts by Washington and regional partners to deliver life-saving aid amid persistent challenges in achieving lasting peace.
