UAE Pledges $3 Million for Afghan Returnees' Housing, Focusing on Women and Children

The UAE Aid Agency has finalized a significant agreement valued at $3 million with the UN refugee agency to establish permanent housing solutions for thousands of Afghan returnees. This initiative places a particular emphasis on supporting women and children.

The co-operation agreement, established with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), will provide funding for the construction of climate-resilient homes designed to accommodate 2,950 individuals across the key Afghan provinces of Kabul, Herat, and Kunduz. The announcement of this deal occurred during Aidex 2026, a prominent international conference focused on humanitarian aid and disaster relief, which took place in Geneva on October 21 and 22.

This agreement aligns with the UAE's broader strategic objectives, which include fostering early recovery efforts, implementing sustainable solutions for displaced populations, and reinforcing the stability of communities impacted by humanitarian crises. The article also notes two UAE convoys carrying 260 tonnes of aid that arrived in Gaza.

During a keynote address at the conference, Dr. Tareq Al Ameri, chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, reiterated the nation's steadfast commitment to its global humanitarian and development responsibilities. Dr. Al Ameri underscored the critical importance of forging international partnerships, innovating financing models, and investing in sustainable solutions that empower communities to better withstand and recover from crises.

The agency engaged in bilateral discussions with several international organizations at the conference, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Health Organisation, and the UN offices dedicated to humanitarian affairs and disaster risk reduction. These discussions centered on enhancing collaboration, strengthening crisis response mechanisms, and leveraging artificial intelligence for disaster forecasting and mitigation.

Furthermore, the agency co-hosted a roundtable session with UNHCR titled “Housing Solutions After Displacement: From Temporary Shelter to Recovery and Integration.” This session explored the crucial transition from emergency shelter to long-term housing and examined the role of private sector partnerships in supporting both refugees and host communities.

The UAE Aid Agency also used the conference to highlight other significant initiatives, such as Operation Gallant Knight 3 in Gaza and the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women, which is dedicated to the economic and social empowerment of displaced women.