1 in 4 people living in the UAE have family or friends affected by a natural disaster or humanitarian crisis
NRS International, a Dubai-based family-run company that develops and manufactures products for the humanitarian aid, public health and development sectors, published the results of a survey which gauged the level of humanitarianism amongst UAE residents. NRS International, which sold 42 million relief essentials to UN and aid agencies to alleviate the suffering of 75 million people globally in 2014-2015, released the following data:
- 73% of residents made a contribution to an international humanitarian cause in the past year;
- 43% donate in excess of USD100 each year;
- 86% believe that it is important to contribute to such causes in the aftermath of natural disaster and war;
- 80% are likely to continue their support of international humanitarian causes in the coming year;
The majority (76%) underestimates the global challenges and does not know that 60 million people are displaced.
The newly-released study, “Humanitarianism in the UAE” was commissioned by NRS International to mark World Refugee Day, which is recognised globally on 20th June each year. It aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the attitudes and commitment of UAE residents to international humanitarian causes. The study was conducted in early June 2016 by YouGov market research.
73% of UAE residents confirmed that they had contributed to international humanitarian causes in the past year, either by donating money or goods, or through voluntary work. It was also reported that 80% of UAE residents expect to contribute to such causes in the coming year. 86% cited the importance and urgency of contributions to support the plight of the millions of people who have been displaced by war, disaster and humanitarian crises.
One in four people living in the UAE were found to have family or friends affected by a natural disaster or humanitarian crisis. Despite this direct exposure to the effects of such emergencies, the majority of respondents either underestimated or were unaware of the true scale of the current humanitarian crisis, the most serious since the end of World War II. A staggering 60 million people, representing one in every 122 humans, is now either a refugee, internally displaced, or seeking asylum.
“Countries across the world need our help to end the suffering of millions of people, and we applaud the massive contribution made by people living in the UAE,” said Farhaj Sarwar, Managing Director, NRS International. “As a developer and manufacturer of relief items such as refugee tents, tarpaulins, blankets, kitchen sets, mosquito nets and solar lights, we are proud to be based in Dubai, a true global humanitarian hub. As a private sector company, we commit to support the great humanitarian spirit in the UAE by offering products that provide shelter and dignity to those who have fled their homes.”
“World Refugee Day is a time for us all to reflect on the refugees and displaced people around the world who bear terrible burdens through no fault of their own. As part of the humanitarian community, we follow a strong corporate social responsibility agenda and our foundation donated USD 1.75 million to various educational, public health and refugee projects,” added Nicole Malick, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, NRS International.
The UAE has established a pivotal role in international efforts to combat humanitarian challenges, and has a strong presence in emergency and long-term humanitarian aid efforts all around the world. According to the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the UAE was the biggest donor of foreign aid in 2014 and the NRS International study reiterates the continued commitment and positive attitude of residents across the UAE.
