Dubai Launches Air Bridge to Deliver Winter Aid to

Dubai Humanitarian has officially launched a new air bridge to bolster relief efforts in Gaza, acting under the direct instructions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The inaugural flight, which delivered essential winter supplies and thermal blankets designated for UNICEF, has successfully reached Al Arish, Egypt, for subsequent transport into Gaza.

The logistics operation utilizes C-130 aircraft from the Dubai Royal Air Wing. Each of these flights is equipped to transport approximately nine metric tonnes of aid. Officials have confirmed that at least three additional flights are scheduled for the coming days to deliver further supplies, specifically focusing on blankets for children and other vulnerable populations as winter conditions approach.

Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Chairman of the Dubai Humanitarian Authority, emphasized the critical timing of this initiative. He noted that the operation reflects Dubai’s commitment to acting as a global hub that unites humanitarian partners to ensure aid reaches those in need, particularly families who have already faced severe hardship. By facilitating the movement of these goods, the authority aims to mitigate the challenges brought by the cold season.

This mission marks the debut of a coordinated sourcing order under the UN80 Integrated Supply Chain Approach. This initiative merges the resources of various United Nations agencies to streamline joint procurement and distribution, proving the effectiveness of unified planning in speeding up aid deployment. Since 2023, Dubai Humanitarian has consistently maintained a supply chain to Gaza using air, sea, and land routes, working closely with international organizations to sustain the flow of necessary humanitarian relief. The initiative demonstrates the value of coordinated planning in accelerating humanitarian operations and improving the efficiency of aid delivery, facilitated by Dubai Humanitarian in collaboration with its partners.