Gulf Cooperation Council Statistics Center: $6.1 billion in Gulf states' humanitarian aid in 2025

The Statistical Center of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries stated that the volume of humanitarian aid provided by GCC states in 2025 reached $6.1 billion, representing approximately 21.7% of total global humanitarian aid. In a report issued on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on August 19, the Center noted that this indicator reflects the growing role of the Gulf region in the international humanitarian and relief system. It further explained that this effort aligns with the high priority GCC states place on protecting humanitarian workers and beneficiaries in accessing food, healthcare, and protection, while strengthening humanitarian solidarity in the face of crises.

The Center highlighted that GCC humanitarian aid is characterized by "diversity and comprehensiveness," noting that it extends beyond immediate emergency response to include several vital sectors aimed at supporting the recovery of affected communities, enhancing stability, and achieving sustainable development.

Regarding sectoral allocations, basic services accounted for 77.8% of total Gulf aid in 2025, encompassing a wide range of areas including health, early recovery, water services, governance, rule of law, environment, and the reintegration of displaced persons, alongside other essential sectors such as education and food security.

In this context, the Center specified that health led with a 33.4% share, followed by early recovery at 23.2%, food security at 15.3%, and education at 7%, with other sectors contributing 22.1%. These figures, it noted, "underscore the broad scope of Gulf contributions to humanitarian action, combining urgent relief with support for recovery pathways, capacity building, and essential services, thereby enhancing the ability of affected communities to overcome crises and restore long-term stability."

The Center affirmed that GCC states are among the "most prominent international actors" in humanitarian and relief work, with their development policies and rapid crisis responses solidifying their status as among the world’s largest donors of official and voluntary humanitarian aid. These efforts, it said, are carried out under the slogan "Sustainable Giving: Gulf Humanitarian Aid Meeting Humanitarian Needs," reflecting a shift toward building humanitarian responses that not only address crisis impacts but also contribute to recovery, stability, and sustainable development.