Carrying over 10 million meals, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Humanitarian Ship sails from Abu Dhabi to Gaza, showcasing the UAE’s scale, speed and solidarity in humanitarian aid.
In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and large-scale humanitarian action, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Humanitarian Ship has been fully loaded at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, carrying more than 10 million meals destined for the people of Gaza. The shipment, weighing a total of 7,249 tonnes, marks one of the UAE’s most significant maritime relief efforts to date and reflects the country’s sustained commitment to supporting civilians affected by prolonged hardship.
The vessel has been prepared as part of an initiative launched by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) on 25 November, in collaboration with Operation Chivalrous Knight 3. After departing from Khalifa Port, the ship will sail to El Arish Port in Egypt, with arrival expected in early January 2026. From there, the complex process of delivering aid into the Gaza Strip will begin, in coordination with humanitarian partners on the ground.
What sets this mission apart is not only its scale but also the speed and precision with which it was executed. In record time, MBRGI mobilised volunteers, partners and logistics teams to assemble food baskets designed to meet essential nutritional needs. Each basket contains 20 carefully selected food items, sufficient to sustain a family of five for an entire week. The contents were chosen to ensure variety, quality and suitability for all age groups, recognising the specific dietary and health needs of families facing severe shortages.
The humanitarian campaign triggered an extraordinary response from across the UAE community. On 7 December, MBRGI hosted a major volunteer event at the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City, drawing widespread participation from individuals, families, companies and institutions. Within just one week, more than 20,000 people applied to volunteer, underscoring the depth of public engagement and shared sense of responsibility towards the people of Gaza.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of MBRGI, described the loading of the ship as a renewed message of solidarity from the UAE. He said the initiative reaffirms the country’s unwavering commitment to standing by the Palestinian people and delivering practical, life-sustaining assistance during extremely challenging circumstances. According to Al Gergawi, preparing the ship with more than 10 million meals represents a major humanitarian milestone made possible by the dedication of volunteers and the strong collaboration with Operation Chivalrous Knight 3.
He added that MBRGI would continue its mission to improve lives and communities, driven by a belief that timely, organised humanitarian action can make a real and lasting difference, even in the most difficult environments.
Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, which has been at the forefront of relief efforts for Gaza, also highlighted the importance of the maritime shipment. Mohammed AlShareef, spokesperson for the operation, said the humanitarian ship stands as clear evidence of the UAE leadership’s commitment to providing continuous support to Gaza through all available channels. He noted that the UAE has remained among the world’s leading providers of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, deploying land, sea and air routes to ensure assistance reaches those in need.
AlShareef emphasised that loading and dispatching the ship is not only a logistical achievement but also a deeply meaningful humanitarian gesture that will have a tangible impact on families struggling with food insecurity. Through Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, relief supplies including food, medicine and essential items have been delivered around the clock, supported by experienced teams and extensive resources. He said these efforts reflect a sustained mission pursued consistently over the past two years to alleviate suffering and preserve dignity.
The scale of this operation also reflects the broader humanitarian footprint of MBRGI. As the region’s largest foundation of its kind, MBRGI spent more than AED2.2 billion in 2024 alone, reaching approximately 149 million people across 118 countries. Its work spans five main pillars: humanitarian aid and relief, healthcare and disease control, spreading education and knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship, and empowering communities.
Since its launch in 2015, MBRGI has brought together more than 30 initiatives and institutions under a single umbrella, focused on addressing urgent global challenges and investing in human potential. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Humanitarian Ship is a continuation of this long-term vision, translating resources, compassion and organisation into concrete support for some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
