UAE ranks as world’s top for providing foreign aid

The UAE ranked as the world’s largest donor of foreign aid in 2014, proportionately to its national income according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The Gulf state donated more than $4.9 billion in development aid – accounting for 1.17 percent of its national income.

Responding to the news Dubai ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum was quoted by the state news agency WAM as saying: “This confirms the UAE’s commitment to its global development mission and to the principles on which this nation was founded. We will continue to reinforce our position as a global hub for humanitarian relief for all those in need of our help,

“The UAE was founded on the principle of doing good. Its leaders have always been passionate about helping people. We expect nothing in return for we are driven and guided by the principles of Islam and our Emirati national values,”

Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE had made several achievements in humanitarian and charitable works, and contributed, both alone and alongside U.N. authorities and organizations in providing aid for areas hit by crisis and disaster.

And he said the UAE provided assistance unconditionally.

According to data released Thursday, Sweden is in the second position, providing 1.10 percent of its national income, Luxembourg were third with 1.07 percent, and fourth were Norway providing 0.99 percent, Denmark came fifth with 0.85 percent, while the UK ranked sixth 0.71 percent.