The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) has launched its new 2026–2029 strategy, setting out an ambitious four-year roadmap to strengthen humanitarian assistance, improve efficiency and expand the organisation’s impact both inside the UAE and around the world.
Announced in Abu Dhabi on September 1, the strategy is built around four core values — humanity, sustainability, innovation and transparency. It aims to enhance the ERC’s ability to respond quickly and proactively to humanitarian emergencies while making its programmes more sustainable and effective.
The plan focuses on four key pillars: financial sustainability, sustainable community and volunteer impact, more efficient relief operations, and stronger institutional services. It also places emphasis on improving volunteer capabilities and encouraging greater community participation.
Technology will play an important role in the strategy, with digital solutions identified as one of the key enablers for improving humanitarian operations and services. Partnerships, governance and skilled human resources will also support implementation.
ERC Secretary-General Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei said the strategy represents a new phase in the organisation’s humanitarian journey, with greater emphasis on innovation, efficiency, sustainability and measuring the impact of programmes.
The announcement reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to humanitarian and development work. In 2026 alone, the ERC has continued expanding assistance programmes, including major humanitarian support for communities affected by crises.
While delivering humanitarian assistance across different regions naturally involves operational and logistical challenges, the new strategy is designed to improve preparedness and ensure resources are used effectively.
Overall, the 2026–2029 strategy strengthens the UAE’s humanitarian ambitions by combining its established culture of giving with modern technology, stronger partnerships and a long-term focus on sustainable impact.
