Abu Dhabi: The diplomatic positions adopted by the United Arab Emirates towards the conflict in the sisterly Republic of Sudan since mid-April 2023 have embodied the UAE's policy and sincere efforts to seek a political solution capable of sparing the Sudanese people from tragedy and humanitarian suffering. These efforts align with both Arab and international positions.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and their representatives chose to antagonise the UAE and shirk responsibility by fabricating malicious accusations before the International Court of Justice - accusations which the Court later dismissed and decided to drop the case. The military authority, embroiled in a civil conflict, continued evading peace efforts and ultimately decided to sever diplomatic relations with the UAE.
The UAE responded with absolute clarity, stating that Sudan and its noble people are in dire need of a civilian and independent leadership - one that prioritises the people's interests above all, rather than killing half of its population and starving and displacing the other half.
The UAE clarified that it does not recognise the decision made by the authority in Port Sudan, asserting that this authority does not represent the legitimate government of Sudan or its honourable people. It further emphasised that the statement issued by the so-called Security and Defense Council would not affect the strong and enduring relations between the UAE and the Republic of Sudan and their brotherly peoples.
The UAE reaffirmed its consistent position of not providing any military support to any party involved in the ongoing conflict in Sudan. This stance was communicated to the United Nations and was supported by the absence of any allegations against the UAE in the UN Panel of Experts' report on Sudan sanctions.
For more than two years, the UAE has remained firm in its stance on the senseless conflict in Sudan, continuously advocating and supporting peaceful solutions that preserve the country's unity and protect the blood of its people. These efforts are reflected in the UAE's diplomatic initiatives from the onset of the crisis to the present day.
Following the outbreak of conflict in mid-April 2023, the UAE took a clear and decisive stance by urging all warring parties to de-escalate, exercise restraint, and work toward resolving the crisis through dialogue. Between April 29 and June 2, 2023, the UAE launched a series of evacuation flights to rescue its citizens and nationals from friendly countries stranded in Sudan, aiming to protect civilians and keep them out of harm's way during a period of escalating violence.
The UAE carried out 10 evacuation flights, airlifting 997 individuals representing about 26 different nationalities. The evacuees received comprehensive care during their stay in the UAE until they could return to their respective countries. The UAE prioritised the most vulnerable groups in these evacuations, including patients, children, the elderly, and women.
Amid the growing signs of security breakdown in Sudan, the UAE strongly condemned on May 3, 2023 the storming of the Cultural Attach© of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, by an armed group that vandalised the premises and seized some of its property. The UAE emphasised the importance of protecting diplomatic buildings in accordance with the norms and conventions that govern diplomatic work.
On May 12, 2023, the UAE welcomed the Jeddah Declaration, signed by representatives of both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces under the auspices of Saudi Arabia and the United States. The declaration committed both parties to protecting civilians in Sudan in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights law, to facilitate relief efforts and address civilians' urgent needs.
On June 7, 2023, a joint statement from the Friends of Sudan group - including the UAE, France, Germany, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, the UK, the US, and the European Union - expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence and catastrophic humanitarian situation in Sudan.
On July 14, 2023, the UAE welcomed the final communiqu© issued at the Sudan Neighbouring Countries Summit held in Cairo. The communiqu© emphasised the importance of preserving Sudan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, protecting its national resources, and preventing its disintegration, while calling for non-interference in its internal affairs.
On November 15, 2023, the UAE participated in a virtual ministerial meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council to discuss developments in Sudan. The UAE reiterated its firm position that there must be an immediate ceasefire as a fundamental requirement, and called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis between the conflicting parties.
On March 9, 2024, the UAE welcomed the UN Security Council's resolution calling for a ceasefire in Sudan during the month of Ramadan, amidst the ongoing deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
On June 26, 2024, the UAE signed three agreements with key UN partners to support humanitarian efforts in Sudan. These included Memorandums of Understanding with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Additionally, a Letter of Intent was signed with UNICEF.
On July 25, 2024, the UAE participated in the Sudan Mediators Retreat held in Djibouti, attended by 32 countries and regional/international organisations. The retreat focused on aligning efforts and creating a shared vision for peace in Sudan.
On September 29, 2024, the UAE strongly condemned the attack on the residence of the Head of its Mission in Khartoum, carried out by a Sudanese Armed Forces aircraft, which caused significant damage to the building.
On February 14, 2025, the UAE, along with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), hosted the 'High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan' in Addis Ababa.
Throughout the Sudan crisis, the UAE has demonstrated a consistent ethical and humanitarian commitment to supporting the Sudanese people and alleviating their suffering. It has provided $600.4 million in humanitarian assistance during the crisis. Over the past ten years, the UAE's total humanitarian aid to the Sudanese people has reached $3.5 billion, reaffirming its steadfast dedication to supporting those in need during times of crisis.
