Dubai: Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Humanitarian (DXBH) has facilitated a third humanitarian airlift. This initiative supports the Ebola outbreak response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and is carried out in coordination with the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO).
According to Emirates News Agency, the relief flight departed from Dubai and arrived in Entebbe, Uganda, on June 21, 2026. It carried 76.2 metric tonnes of essential humanitarian supplies destined for communities affected by the Ebola outbreak in the DRC.
The cargo, transported aboard a Dubai Royal Air Wing aircraft, included hygiene kits, fortified biscuits, tents, two vehicles, and supplies necessary for safe and dignified burials. These items were mobilized by members of the Dubai Humanitarian community, such as the World Food Programme's United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (WFP-UNHRD), UNICEF, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The total value of the humanitarian cargo was $223,150, and Dubai Humanitarian provided the air transport with an estimated logistics cost of $270,000.
Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, emphasized the significance of this airlift, stating, "This third airlift reflects the commitment of the leadership of the United Arab Emirates and the continued support of the Government of Dubai in enabling rapid humanitarian action during times of crisis. We are grateful for the strong coordination with the European Union and the cooperation of our partners, whose collective efforts make it possible to respond swiftly to emergencies and reach communities most in need."
Saba added, "As the international humanitarian community works around the clock alongside local authorities and frontline responders to contain this deadly outbreak, Dubai Humanitarian remains fully committed to supporting its members and partners through the logistics capabilities, coordination mechanisms, and collaborative platform we provide. Facilitating timely humanitarian assistance is at the heart of our work, especially during complex emergencies such as the current Ebola response."
This operation underscores the strategic coordination between Dubai Humanitarian and DG ECHO, following the Administrative Arrangement signed between both entities in 2025. Through its humanitarian ecosystem and strategic partnerships, Dubai Humanitarian continues to play a crucial role in enabling the international humanitarian community to deliver life-saving assistance to vulnerable populations globally.