Dubai sends third Ebola relief airlift to DR Congo

Under the directives of His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Humanitarian has facilitated a third humanitarian airlift to support Ebola outbreak response efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in coordination with the European Commission’s humanitarian arm.

The operation was carried out by Dubai Humanitarian in partnership with the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), reinforcing international efforts to contain the outbreak and deliver urgent relief to affected communities.

The relief flight departed from Dubai and landed in Entebbe, Uganda, on 21 June 2026, carrying 76.2 metric tonnes of critical humanitarian supplies destined for onward delivery to Ebola-affected regions in the DRC.

Transported aboard a Dubai Royal Air Wing aircraft, the cargo included hygiene kits, fortified biscuits, tents, two vehicles, and materials used for safe and dignified burials. The supplies were mobilised through members of the Dubai Humanitarian ecosystem, including the World Food Programme’s United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (WFP/UNHRD), UNICEF, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The total value of the humanitarian cargo was estimated at $223,150, while the air transport—provided by Dubai Humanitarian—was valued at approximately $270,000.

Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, said the latest mission reflects the continued commitment of the UAE leadership and the Government of Dubai to enabling rapid humanitarian response during global crises.

He noted that close coordination with the European Union and humanitarian partners has been essential in ensuring swift delivery of life-saving assistance to affected populations.

“As the international humanitarian community works alongside local authorities and frontline responders to contain this deadly outbreak, Dubai Humanitarian remains committed to supporting its partners through logistics capabilities and coordinated response mechanisms,” he said.

The latest airlift builds on growing strategic cooperation between Dubai Humanitarian and DG ECHO, following an administrative arrangement signed in 2025. Officials said the partnership continues to strengthen global humanitarian supply chains and improve emergency response times in complex crises.