UAE commits further $1.2bn in Gaza support at first Board of Peace meeting

WASHINGTON - The United Arab Emirates committed an additional $1.2 billion in support for Gaza, announced during the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, D.C. on Thursday. 

The pledge, delivered by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscores the UAE's ongoing humanitarian leadership and commitment to regional stability and reconstruction in the war-torn enclave.

Chaired by US President Donald Trump, the Board of Peace convened for the first time at the United States Institute of Peace. The body, established as part of Trump's broader 20-point peace plan for Gaza and endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803, brings together dozens of nations to oversee post-conflict reconstruction, demilitarization efforts, and long-term governance in Gaza. 

The initiative aims to transition the territory from conflict toward sustainable development, with a focus on humanitarian aid, infrastructure rebuilding, and international coordination.

Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the UAE's longstanding assistance, noting that Abu Dhabi has already provided nearly $3 billion in aid to Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. 

He expressed gratitude for collaborative efforts involving key figures including Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and US Secretary Marco Rubio, while reaffirming the UAE's readiness to partner on future initiatives.

"Today, Mr President, the UAE announces a further $1.2 billion for supporting Gaza through the Board of Peace," Sheikh Abdullah stated, emphasizing the importance of collective action to rebuild and stabilize the region.

Broader pledges and momentum

The UAE's commitment formed part of a larger wave of financial support announced at the meeting. President Trump revealed that nine member countries — including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Kuwait, and the UAE — had collectively pledged over $7 billion toward a Gaza relief and reconstruction package. Other notable contributions included $1 billion from Qatar, $1 billion from Saudi Arabia and another from Kuwait (over coming years).

Trump further announced a US pledge of $10 billion to the Board of Peace, though specifics on allocation were not detailed. Some reports indicated total commitments, including earlier pledges, could approach or exceed $17 billion in relief funds for Gaza. Several nations also committed troops to a proposed International Stabilization Force to support security during the transition.

The pledges align with the board's mandate to mobilize resources for Gaza's recovery, contingent on steps such as Hamas disarmament and the establishment of Palestinian technocratic governance under a separate National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.

UAE's role in regional diplomacy

The announcement reinforces the UAE's active engagement in Middle East peace efforts, building on its participation in the Abraham Accords and consistent humanitarian outreach. By channeling support through the Board of Peace, the UAE positions itself as a key contributor to international frameworks aimed at ending cycles of conflict and fostering prosperity.

While the initiative has garnered broad participation from Gulf and Central Asian states, challenges remain — including ongoing implementation details, Palestinian representation, and responses from groups like Hamas, which have conditioned progress on an immediate halt to Israeli military actions, blockade removal, and guaranteed self-determination.

The UAE's $1.2 billion infusion represents a tangible step toward addressing Gaza's urgent humanitarian and reconstruction needs, signaling hope for a coordinated path forward in one of the region's most protracted crises.