The Gaza Strip has become the center of a devastating humanitarian crisis over the past 11 months, with the ongoing conflict laying bare the deep-seated issues of occupation and colonization that have long fueled geopolitical tensions. Families have been decimated, while homes, schools, and hospitals lie in ruins, creating a dire need for immediate relief. Amid this turmoil, the call for urgent humanitarian aid has resonated far beyond the borders of the Arab region, drawing global attention.
Arab philanthropies, particularly members of the Arab Foundations Forum (AFF) and other regional foundations, have been swift to respond. These organizations have mobilized resources to provide essential aid, while also working to address the broader question of philanthropy’s role in long-term rebuilding efforts. However, despite the immediate response, a more substantial conversation has emerged around the need for sustainable, impact-driven funding for Gaza and Palestine. Comparisons have been drawn between the outpouring of global support for Ukraine since the start of the war and the comparatively limited funds allocated to Gaza, a disparity that has not gone unnoticed.
A significant aspect of the Arab response has come from private individuals who have contributed millions through crowdfunding and personally funded initiatives. This grassroots mobilization has proven critical for Gazans seeking to flee to Egypt or other safe havens, as formal mechanisms for their escape remain scarce. Families and communities have largely taken on the responsibility for the lives of those in immediate danger, showcasing the deep tradition of community-driven aid that defines the region’s philanthropic spirit.
While the initial focus has been on emergency relief, many foundations have also begun to address the need for long-term development and reconstruction. These efforts aim to create a sustainable future for the region, with a focus on social justice and equity. By partnering with international organizations and fostering collaborations, Arab philanthropy is laying the groundwork for rebuilding Gaza once the violence subsides, with hopes of supporting a more equitable and just future for Palestinians.
Among the notable initiatives, Saudi Arabia has played a prominent role. The Kingdom has allocated over $158 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza, largely through the Sahem platform, which is managed by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief). This funding has been directed toward food, medical supplies, and other essential relief efforts, helping to alleviate some of the immediate suffering of the population.
The United Arab Emirates has also made significant contributions, committing over $62 million to Gaza relief. Of this, $20 million has been allocated to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). These funds have been used to provide food, medicine, and emergency shelter to those affected by the conflict. Other countries in the region, such as Qatar, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, and Egypt, have also played their part, offering financial support, in-kind donations, and facilitating the movement of aid to Gaza.
Despite these efforts, the magnitude of the crisis demands more. The long-term costs of rebuilding entire communities, infrastructures, and lives in Gaza are overwhelming. The eventual goal is not only to restore what has been lost but also to build a free and sovereign state for the Palestinian people. However, achieving this will require far more than the short-term emergency funds currently being allocated.
The unique nature of the Arab region’s philanthropic response lies in the overlap between official government assistance and private donations. In many Gulf countries, philanthropic efforts must be channeled through government-approved mechanisms, which complicates the ability to quantify the full scale of the sector’s contributions. Nonetheless, several Arab foundations have shown that independent philanthropy remains a vital force.
The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation’s Education Relief Fund is one such example of targeted intervention. This initiative supports 900 students from Gaza and the West Bank whose studies have been disrupted by the war. With a focus on students in medicine, health sciences, and STEM fields, the program offers grants to cover tuition and living expenses for those studying abroad. The goal is to ensure these students can complete their education and eventually contribute to rebuilding their communities, particularly in healthcare and scientific fields. The foundation is collaborating with the Unite Lebanon Youth Project to implement the program.
Dubai Cares has also been a key player in the Gaza relief efforts. Through its ‘Gaza In Our Hearts’ campaign, launched during Ramadan in 2024, the organization has provided emergency relief in the form of food baskets, hot meals, and shelter tents. By April 2024, the campaign had raised over AED 10.75 million, enabling the distribution of more than 20 million meals and hundreds of thousands of food baskets. This initiative forms part of the broader UAE-wide ‘Tarahum for Gaza’ response, which involves multiple charitable organizations and volunteer centers across the country.
The collective response from the Arab region was further amplified by the Arab Foundations Forum, which launched a Donor Appeal for Gaza in partnership with several prominent organizations. The appeal, which includes the Asfari Foundation, Taawon, and Life for Relief and Development, bypassed the typical bureaucratic processes to quickly channel funding to community-based organizations in Gaza. The AFF’s Pooled Fund was established to allow individuals and smaller donors to contribute to efforts on the ground, although the funds raised so far still fall far short of the estimated needs for long-term recovery.
