Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has established itself as one of the world's fastest responders to natural disasters and humanitarian crises, developing innovative approaches that have left a lasting humanitarian impact on millions of lives around the world.
According to Emirates News Agency, from the devastating earthquake in Myanmar to the catastrophic cyclone that hit Libya's Derna, and from the destructive earthquakes in Syria and Trkiye to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, UAE rescue teams have gone beyond emergency response by employing smart and unconventional solutions when traditional methods proved insufficient.
In Myanmar, on 31st March, the UAE urgently dispatched its search and rescue team, comprising members of Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, the National Guard, and the Joint Operations Command, to support efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake that struck the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The team began operations at six sites, working continuously in alternating shifts to accelerate response times and reach as many affected areas as possible in the shortest time.
Brigadier Salem Abdullah bin Barrak Al Dhaheri, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, affirmed that the UAE continues to strengthen its global standing as a leader in humanitarian work by adopting advanced and innovative approaches to rapidly and effectively respond to crises and natural disasters worldwide. He told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the UAE Search and Rescue Team represents a model of efficient response and deep humanitarian commitment, using the latest technologies in field assessments, damage surveys, search and rescue, and rapid intervention.
Launched in February 2023, Operation Chivalrous Knight 2 became one of the UAE's most successful humanitarian missions. It provided support to those affected by the devastating earthquake in Syria and Trkiye and lasted over five months. The operation resulted in the rescue of dozens of people from beneath the rubble and the treatment of 13,463 individuals. It also delivered 15,164 tonnes of humanitarian aid via an air bridge involving 260 flights, which transported 6,912 tonnes of urgent supplies including tents, essential food, and medicines.
The UAE was among the first countries to send urgent relief aid and search and rescue teams to Libya in September 2023 following the impact of Cyclone Daniel, which resulted in loss of lives, injuries, and widespread destruction. The UAE team, comprising more than 91 specialists, operated in the city of Derna, locating hundreds of missing persons and recovering numerous bodies and remains.
Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 has been ongoing for approximately 518 days, delivering continuous humanitarian support to those affected in Gaza. Among its most innovative initiatives is the airdrop operation 'Birds of Goodness', which has successfully delivered 3,700 tonnes of aid across 53 airdrops as of 21st March. These operations use specially designed GPS-guided containers to ensure accurate and timely delivery to remote or isolated locations within the Gaza Strip. As of 21st March 2025, the total humanitarian assistance provided under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 has surpassed 65,000 tonnes of food, medical, and relief supplies, with an estimated value exceeding US$1.2 billion.