On 19 February 2026, the United Arab Emirates announced the deployment of urgent humanitarian assistance to support communities affected by the devastating floods that have struck Mozambique since early January. The initiative reflects the UAE’s continued international humanitarian commitment and its rapid response to natural disasters and climate-related emergencies.
Heavy rains and severe flooding have impacted several provinces in southern and central Mozambique, causing widespread destruction. According to international humanitarian agencies, hundreds of thousands of people have been affected, tens of thousands displaced, and critical infrastructure—including homes, roads, schools, and health facilities—significantly damaged.
In response, the UAE Aid Agency coordinated the delivery of emergency relief supplies, including essential food items, shelter materials, medical supplies, and vaccines and treatments aimed at preventing the spread of cholera, a major risk in post-flood conditions.
A first operation, conducted in coordination with Mozambican authorities, facilitated the delivery of 225 tonnes of food supplies. These goods were procured directly from the local Mozambican market to ensure rapid distribution while also supporting the national economy. The value of this first tranche of assistance was estimated at approximately $200,000. A second tranche, primarily consisting of medicines and medical equipment of equivalent value, was announced shortly thereafter.
In parallel, a humanitarian airlift was organized from the United Arab Emirates to Maputo. A Boeing 747 cargo aircraft transported more than 90 tonnes of emergency relief materials, including tarpaulins, kitchen kits, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, and emergency health kits. This shipment is intended to assist tens of thousands of displaced individuals currently living in temporary accommodation centers.
UAE authorities stated that the intervention aligns with the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasizing rapid, coordinated action in response to humanitarian crises and natural disasters. The operation has been carried out in close coordination with Mozambican authorities, United Nations agencies, and international humanitarian partners.
Beyond the delivery of material aid, the UAE’s approach combines logistical efficiency, multilateral cooperation, and local economic support by prioritizing in-country procurement when feasible. This strategy strengthens the effectiveness of emergency assistance while contributing to the resilience of affected communities.
At a time when climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of natural disasters in Southern Africa, the United Arab Emirates’ intervention in Mozambique highlights a structured humanitarian diplomacy based on urgency, coordination, and international solidarity.
