As part of a broader mission to the Gulf aimed at deepening humanitarian cooperation with key donors in the Gulf region, Maciej Popowski, Director-General of European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, visited the ReliefEU stockpile in Dubai.
ReliefEU is a vital EU tool to provide emergency response, particularly in sudden-onset crises. With humanitarian needs at record high in 2025(300 million people will need humanitarian aid), the ReliefEU provides swift and targeted EU support through pre-positioned stockpiled items, common logistics services for humanitarian partners, and the deployment of humanitarian experts. The Dubai stockpile, one of four that the EU maintains worldwide, ensures that essential relief items such as emergency kits, medical supplies, and shelter materials can be rapidly sent to affected areas.
The visit of the Director General underscored the importance of joint efforts in tackling humanitarian crises worldwide. The United Arab Emirates, as the 9th largest humanitarian donor globally in 2024, plays a key role in international relief efforts. Strengthening EU-Gulf collaboration in humanitarian aid, including through logistics and supply chain leadership, will be critical in responding effectively to future emergencies in turbulent times.
The EU is committed to working closely with regional and global actors to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those in need—efficiently, effectively, and in line with international humanitarian principles.
