ADFD Helps Arab Countries Grow with Projects for Stability

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) is an important organization that helps Arab countries grow economically and socially. It provides money to build projects that bring stability, encourage growth, and improve the quality of life for many people. This fund shows how the UAE is strongly committed to supporting its Arab neighbors. By giving financial help, the UAE helps these countries build a better future.

Focus on Healthcare, Energy, and Infrastructure

ADFD has expanded its work in the Arab world in recent years. The fund supports projects in three very important areas: healthcare, energy, and infrastructure. Healthcare projects help improve medical services for people. Energy projects include renewable energy to protect the environment and provide power. Infrastructure projects build roads, airports, and other facilities needed for daily life and business. These areas are important because they help make communities stronger and ready for the future.

Huge Financial Support Worldwide

According to ADFD’s 2024 Annual Report, the fund has given a total of AED216.5 billion (about $59 billion) to development projects. This money has helped 107 countries worldwide, not just in the Arab region. The money is given in different ways. Most of it, AED157 billion, is provided as concessional loans. These are loans with low or no interest, which makes it easier for countries to repay. Another AED57.6 billion is given as government grants. These are gifts that do not need to be paid back. Finally, AED1.9 billion is given as direct contributions to help with specific needs.

Grants to Arab Countries in 2024

In 2024, ADFD managed six government grants from the UAE that together were worth AED810 million. These grants helped four Arab countries: Jordan, Morocco, Yemen, and Mauritania. Jordan received the largest amount, more than AED452 million, for three important projects. These projects include a national digital health program, support for the country’s budget, and a program to help improve reading skills for children and adults. Morocco was given AED129 million to help build and expand a road called the Oued Akrach - Ain Aouda Road. Yemen received AED45 million to build a solar power project on Socotra Island. Mauritania was granted AED184 million to support its Applied Sciences College, which helps students learn science and technology.

Jordan’s Digital Health Project Connects Hospitals

One of the most important projects is Jordan’s “Jordan Digital Health Centre.” This project uses technology to connect hospitals and health centers. It creates one system where medical records can be kept electronically and shared safely. This helps doctors and nurses give better care, even to people living far away from big cities. The project helps Jordan provide remote medical services following international health standards. In the first phase, five hospitals in remote areas and three health centers across Jordan were connected. This project shows how the UAE and Jordan are working together to use digital technology to improve health care and support development.

Support Through Arab Gulf Development Programmes

Besides the direct grants, ADFD also manages UAE grants through the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND). From 2012 to 2024, Jordan and Morocco each received AED4.6 billion from AGFUND to support projects that directly improve people’s lives. These projects include education, health, and infrastructure improvements. Bahrain also received a large grant, AED9.2 billion, during the same period through the GCC Development Programme. This money was used for big projects in many sectors like transport, energy, and housing.

New Projects in 2025 Across the Arab Region

ADFD continues to invest in new projects in 2025 to support growth and development. For example, Egypt has a project called “Sofitel Legend Pyramids Giza” which supports the tourism industry. Another project is a big tourism venture in Salalah, Oman. Tourism helps create jobs and brings money to these countries. Bahrain’s International Airport is also expanding with ADFD’s help. Improving airports makes it easier for people and goods to move, which supports trade and travel.

Renewable Energy and Housing Support

ADFD is not only focused on roads and buildings but also supports clean energy projects. For instance, it is building a solar power station in the Comoros Islands. Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power that helps protect the environment. The fund also supports projects that help communities directly. In Somaliland, it is working on a housing project to improve living conditions and bring stability to the area. In June 2025, ADFD signed an agreement with the GCC Interconnection Authority to finance a project that will make energy supply safer and more reliable across the Gulf region.

ADFD as a Key Partner for Progress

By supporting these important and large projects, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development acts as a strong bridge for progress in the Arab world. The fund helps countries improve important services like health, transport, energy, and education. This reflects the UAE’s ongoing promise to help spread peace, stability, and prosperity in the Arab region and beyond. Through its support, many communities can build a better future with more opportunities and a higher quality of life.

The Impact on People’s Lives

The work of ADFD directly affects the lives of many people in Arab countries. For example, the digital health project in Jordan helps patients in remote areas get access to good healthcare without traveling far. The road projects in Morocco make transportation safer and easier, helping trade and daily travel. Solar power projects provide clean energy, reducing pollution and helping communities have reliable electricity. Housing projects in Somaliland give families safe and stable places to live. These efforts combined create stronger, healthier, and more stable societies.

UAE’s Long-Term Commitment to the Arab Region

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development shows how the UAE cares deeply about the well-being of its Arab neighbors. By investing in development projects, the UAE helps countries build strong foundations for the future. These investments also create closer ties between the UAE and other Arab nations. This partnership helps bring peace and prosperity to the whole region, making life better for all people.