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Emirates Red Crescent

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uuid004cjyp

Namestring
Emirates Red Crescent
Legal namestring
Emirates Red Crescent
Websiteurl
emiratesrc.ae
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearstring
-
Descriptiontext

Emirates Red Crescent is the United Arab Emirates' national Red Crescent society and a humanitarian charitable organization operating under the patronage of the UAE government. It is affiliated with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and is headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The organization serves two primary constituencies: beneficiaries in need (within the UAE and internationally) requiring food, water, healthcare, education, and emergency relief assistance, and Muslim donors seeking verified channels to fulfill Islamic charitable obligations including Zakat, Sadaqah, Fidyah, Kaffarat, Hajj-related giving, and Waqf (endowment) contributions. Its formal legal name is "Emirates Red Crescent" (الهلال الأحمر الإماراتي), and it is classified as a non-profit organization domiciled in the UAE with the UAE Government identified as its parent entity.

The organization's operational product suite is delivered through a consolidated digital platform comprising multiple self-service portals. These include a comprehensive Donation Platform supporting Sadaqah, water projects (Sakya Al Ma, River of Life fund), Eid clothing (Kaswat Al Eid), Hajj and Umrah facilitation (Taysir Hajj/Taysir Umrah), fasting expiation (Fidiyat Al Sawm), oath expiation (Kaffarat Yamin), endowment donations (Al Waqf Al Khair), property donations, Zakat on wealth, and Eidiyah gifts. Additional portals include a Sponsor a Child Program (اكفل), a Volunteer Service Portal (خدمة التطوع) with summer/practical training applications, a Benefactors Portal (بوابة المحسنين), a Supplier Services Portal (خدمات الموردين), and an Internal Services Portal for procurement and sponsorship approvals. Specialized initiatives include the Food Preservation Initiative (حفظ النعمة) focused on reducing food waste, and Al Ghaidir for Emirati Crafts (الغدير للحرف الإماراتية) supporting traditional craftsmanship.

Emirates Red Crescent is not a commercial enterprise; it generates no revenue from service fees or product sales. Its funding model consists entirely of voluntary donations from individual donors, with distributions processed via a self-serve online donation portal serving both UAE-based and global donors. Listed headcount is 19 employees, and the organization operates with active domestic volunteer recruitment alongside international humanitarian aid delivery across the Middle East and other geographies. No proprietary AI/ML technology, API infrastructure, or third-party technology integrations are disclosed.

Short descriptiontext

Emirates Red Crescent is the UAE government's official national Red Crescent society, operating digital donation, sponsorship, and volunteer portals to channel Islamic charitable giving (Zakat, Sadaqah, Hajj sponsorship) from individual donors to beneficiaries domestically and internationally.

Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
11–50
akta.pro rankint
Markets served

Serves global market

Keyword5 values
humanitarian aid services, charitable donation platform, Islamic charity giving, orphan sponsorship programs, volunteer management services
Industry4 codes
1Faith-Based Humanitarian Aid & Relief Ministries
CodeBPAGAJAFPrimaryYes
2Hajj & Umrah Travel Agencies
CodeTHAKAHAAPrimaryNo
3Umrah/Hajj & Pilgrimage Air Ticketing Agencies
CodeTHAKALAIPrimaryNo
4Refugee, IDP & Migration Humanitarian Assistance
CodeBPAGAAAHPrimaryNo
NAICS code2 codes
  • Religious Organizations813110
  • Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations813
SIC code1 code
  • Services-Social Services8300
Product category
Humanitarian Aid Services
Social media profiles1 record
Marketing channels1 record

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels3 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components6 values
Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others
GTM typeB2C
B2C
Offering typeServices
Services
Core offering1 text field

Emirates Red Crescent operates a digital donation and humanitarian services platform that enables individual donors to make Islamic charitable contributions (Zakat, Sadaqah, Fidyah, Kaffarat, Hajj/Umrah sponsorship) and sponsorships for orphans and students. The organization also provides volunteer services, supplier and internal management portals, and community initiatives including food preservation and Emirati crafts, serving individuals and families in need in the UAE and internationally.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Product overview1 text field

Emirates Red Crescent operates a unified charitable platform offering multiple digital services including a comprehensive donation system with various Islamic charity types (Sadaqah, Zakat, Fidyah, Kaffarat), sponsorship programs for children, volunteer management services, supplier portals, internal workflow systems, and initiatives supporting Emirati heritage. The organization functions as a humanitarian and charitable entity rather than a technology product company.

Product and service6 records
1Emirates Red Crescent Donation Platform
CategoryCharitable Donation Platform
Description

A digital donation platform enabling individual donors to contribute to a wide range of Islamic charitable causes and humanitarian aid categories; serves Muslim donors seeking to fulfill religious obligations and participate in charitable giving.

2Sponsor a Child Program (Akf - اكفل)
CategoryChild Sponsorship Program
Description

A child sponsorship program that allows donors to provide ongoing charitable support to children in need; serves individual donors seeking to make a sustained humanitarian impact.

3Volunteer Service Portal (خدمة التطوع)
CategoryVolunteer Management Service
Description

A volunteer registration and management platform that also supports summer training and practical training applications; serves community members who wish to contribute time and skills to humanitarian work.

4Benefactors Portal (بوابة المحسنين)
CategoryDonor Portal
Description

A dedicated portal for benefactors to access services and manage their charitable activities; serves individual donors and major benefactors participating in the organization's programs.

5Food Preservation Initiative (حفظ النعمة)
CategoryCommunity Humanitarian Initiative
Description

A community initiative focused on preserving blessings and reducing food waste through charitable food distribution; serves beneficiaries in need of food assistance and donors supporting food security programs.

6Al Ghaidir for Emirati Crafts (الغدير للحرف الإماراتية)
CategoryCultural Heritage Program
Description

A program supporting Emirati traditional crafts and craftsmanship, integrated with humanitarian and community services; serves community members and beneficiaries engaged in heritage preservation activities.

Recent move4 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight4 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Peers10 records
TypeRegional player
Description

Kuwait's national Red Crescent society, a Gulf-region counterpart with similar government-affiliated humanitarian mandate and significant international aid disbursement, comparable operating model in a neighboring jurisdiction.

TypeDirect peer
Description

A faith-based Muslim humanitarian NGO operating globally with Zakat-compliant giving, orphan sponsorship, water/food projects, and emergency relief. Directly comparable product offering and donor base to ERC's charitable programs.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Qatar's national Red Crescent society, government-affiliated, with comparable Gulf humanitarian mandate, donation programs, and international aid operations targeting similar donor demographics.

TypeEmerging player
Description

A UK-based faith-inspired international NGO running Zakat, Sadaqah, orphan sponsorship, water, and emergency relief programs. Comparable donor-acquisition model targeting Muslim givers globally with a digital-first platform.

TypeEmerging player
Description

A specialized Islamic charity focused on Zakat collection and distribution, orphan sponsorship, and emergency relief. Comparable on the Zakat-compliant giving and Shari'ah-aligned fund deployment dimension.

TypeDirect peer
Description

A Gulf-region Islamic humanitarian NGO operating globally with Zakat programs, orphan sponsorship, water projects, and emergency relief; competes for the same donor segment from a similar government-aligned position.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Saudi Arabia's national Red Crescent society and the closest geographic and structural peer to ERC: government-affiliated, operates Hajj/Umrah medical and relief support, runs volunteer and donation programs at scale.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

The umbrella movement under which Emirates Red Crescent operates as a national society. Comparable as the apex institutional framework governing ERC's humanitarian mandate, emblem protection, and international coordination.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Turkey's national Red Crescent society, a major Islamic-country counterpart running comparable humanitarian aid, blood services, orphan sponsorship, and digital donation platforms with strong government ties.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

The UN's lead refugee agency with global humanitarian mandate, donor-fund infrastructure, and partnerships with national Red Crescent societies including ERC; relevant as the institutional counterpart in refugee/IDP programming.

Market position
Strengths5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Weaknesses5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Competitive moat3 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Segment2 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

Ideal customer profile2 records

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
No
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
No data
No data
Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Emirates Red Crescent

Humanitarian Aid Servicesemiratesrc.ae

Emirates Red Crescent is the UAE government's official national Red Crescent society, operating digital donation, sponsorship, and volunteer portals to channel Islamic charitable giving (Zakat, Sadaqah, Hajj sponsorship) from individual donors to beneficiaries domestically and internationally.

What Emirates Red Crescent does

Emirates Red Crescent is the United Arab Emirates' national Red Crescent society and a humanitarian charitable organization operating under the patronage of the UAE government. It is affiliated with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and is headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The organization serves two primary constituencies: beneficiaries in need (within the UAE and internationally) requiring food, water, healthcare, education, and emergency relief assistance, and Muslim donors seeking verified channels to fulfill Islamic charitable obligations including Zakat, Sadaqah, Fidyah, Kaffarat, Hajj-related giving, and Waqf (endowment) contributions. Its formal legal name is "Emirates Red Crescent" (الهلال الأحمر الإماراتي), and it is classified as a non-profit organization domiciled in the UAE with the UAE Government identified as its parent entity.

The organization's operational product suite is delivered through a consolidated digital platform comprising multiple self-service portals. These include a comprehensive Donation Platform supporting Sadaqah, water projects (Sakya Al Ma, River of Life fund), Eid clothing (Kaswat Al Eid), Hajj and Umrah facilitation (Taysir Hajj/Taysir Umrah), fasting expiation (Fidiyat Al Sawm), oath expiation (Kaffarat Yamin), endowment donations (Al Waqf Al Khair), property donations, Zakat on wealth, and Eidiyah gifts. Additional portals include a Sponsor a Child Program (اكفل), a Volunteer Service Portal (خدمة التطوع) with summer/practical training applications, a Benefactors Portal (بوابة المحسنين), a Supplier Services Portal (خدمات الموردين), and an Internal Services Portal for procurement and sponsorship approvals. Specialized initiatives include the Food Preservation Initiative (حفظ النعمة) focused on reducing food waste, and Al Ghaidir for Emirati Crafts (الغدير للحرف الإماراتية) supporting traditional craftsmanship.

Emirates Red Crescent is not a commercial enterprise; it generates no revenue from service fees or product sales. Its funding model consists entirely of voluntary donations from individual donors, with distributions processed via a self-serve online donation portal serving both UAE-based and global donors. Listed headcount is 19 employees, and the organization operates with active domestic volunteer recruitment alongside international humanitarian aid delivery across the Middle East and other geographies. No proprietary AI/ML technology, API infrastructure, or third-party technology integrations are disclosed.

Emirates Red Crescent firmographics

Firmographics
Name
Emirates Red Crescent
Legal name
Emirates Red Crescent
Website
https://emiratesrc.ae
Company type
Private
Operating status
Operating
Headcount range
11–50 employees
Short description
Emirates Red Crescent is the UAE government's official national Red Crescent society, operating digital donation, sponsorship, and volunteer portals to channel Islamic charitable giving (Zakat, Sadaqah, Hajj sponsorship) from individual donors to beneficiaries domestically and internationally.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Emirates Red Crescent industry classification

Industry
Product category
Humanitarian Aid Services
NAICS
Religious Organizations (813110), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)
SIC
Services-Social Services (8300)
akta.pro primary industry
Faith-Based Humanitarian Aid & Relief Ministries (BPAGAJAF)
akta.pro secondary industries
Hajj & Umrah Travel Agencies (THAKAHAA), Umrah/Hajj & Pilgrimage Air Ticketing Agencies (THAKALAI), Refugee, IDP & Migration Humanitarian Assistance (BPAGAAAH)

Keywords

  • Humanitarian aid services
  • Charitable donation platform
  • Islamic charity giving
  • Orphan sponsorship programs
  • Volunteer management services

Emirates Red Crescent business model

Business model
GTM type
B2C
Offering type
Services
Cost components
Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels1 record

Emirates Red Crescent product offering

Product offering

Core offering

Emirates Red Crescent operates a digital donation and humanitarian services platform that enables individual donors to make Islamic charitable contributions (Zakat, Sadaqah, Fidyah, Kaffarat, Hajj/Umrah sponsorship) and sponsorships for orphans and students. The organization also provides volunteer services, supplier and internal management portals, and community initiatives including food preservation and Emirati crafts, serving individuals and families in need in the UAE and internationally.

Product overview

Emirates Red Crescent operates a unified charitable platform offering multiple digital services including a comprehensive donation system with various Islamic charity types (Sadaqah, Zakat, Fidyah, Kaffarat), sponsorship programs for children, volunteer management services, supplier portals, internal workflow systems, and initiatives supporting Emirati heritage. The organization functions as a humanitarian and charitable entity rather than a technology product company.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

  • Emirates Red Crescent Donation Platform A digital donation platform enabling individual donors to contribute to a wide range of Islamic charitable causes and humanitarian aid categories; serves Muslim donors seeking to fulfill religious obligations and participate in charitable giving.
  • Sponsor a Child Program (Akf - اكفل) A child sponsorship program that allows donors to provide ongoing charitable support to children in need; serves individual donors seeking to make a sustained humanitarian impact.
  • Volunteer Service Portal (خدمة التطوع) A volunteer registration and management platform that also supports summer training and practical training applications; serves community members who wish to contribute time and skills to humanitarian work.
  • Benefactors Portal (بوابة المحسنين) A dedicated portal for benefactors to access services and manage their charitable activities; serves individual donors and major benefactors participating in the organization's programs.
  • Food Preservation Initiative (حفظ النعمة) A community initiative focused on preserving blessings and reducing food waste through charitable food distribution; serves beneficiaries in need of food assistance and donors supporting food security programs.
  • Al Ghaidir for Emirati Crafts (الغدير للحرف الإماراتية) A program supporting Emirati traditional crafts and craftsmanship, integrated with humanitarian and community services; serves community members and beneficiaries engaged in heritage preservation activities.

Companies that use Emirates Red Crescent

Customer profile

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Emirates Red Crescent technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Emirates Red Crescent partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Emirates Red Crescent competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Regional players

  • Kuwait Red Crescent Society: Kuwait's national Red Crescent society, a Gulf-region counterpart with similar government-affiliated humanitarian mandate and significant international aid disbursement, comparable operating model in a neighboring jurisdiction.

Direct peers

  • Islamic Relief Worldwide: A faith-based Muslim humanitarian NGO operating globally with Zakat-compliant giving, orphan sponsorship, water/food projects, and emergency relief. Directly comparable product offering and donor base to ERC's charitable programs.
  • Qatar Red Crescent Society: Qatar's national Red Crescent society, government-affiliated, with comparable Gulf humanitarian mandate, donation programs, and international aid operations targeting similar donor demographics.
  • Qatar Charity: A Gulf-region Islamic humanitarian NGO operating globally with Zakat programs, orphan sponsorship, water projects, and emergency relief; competes for the same donor segment from a similar government-aligned position.
  • Saudi Red Crescent Authority: Saudi Arabia's national Red Crescent society and the closest geographic and structural peer to ERC: government-affiliated, operates Hajj/Umrah medical and relief support, runs volunteer and donation programs at scale.
  • Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay): Turkey's national Red Crescent society, a major Islamic-country counterpart running comparable humanitarian aid, blood services, orphan sponsorship, and digital donation platforms with strong government ties.

Emerging players

  • Muslim Hands: A UK-based faith-inspired international NGO running Zakat, Sadaqah, orphan sponsorship, water, and emergency relief programs. Comparable donor-acquisition model targeting Muslim givers globally with a digital-first platform.
  • Zakat Foundation of America: A specialized Islamic charity focused on Zakat collection and distribution, orphan sponsorship, and emergency relief. Comparable on the Zakat-compliant giving and Shari'ah-aligned fund deployment dimension.

Broad incumbents

  • International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: The umbrella movement under which Emirates Red Crescent operates as a national society. Comparable as the apex institutional framework governing ERC's humanitarian mandate, emblem protection, and international coordination.
  • UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency): The UN's lead refugee agency with global humanitarian mandate, donor-fund infrastructure, and partnerships with national Red Crescent societies including ERC; relevant as the institutional counterpart in refugee/IDP programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Emirates Red Crescent social profiles

Digital presence

Emirates Red Crescent financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Emirates Red Crescent leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Emirates Red Crescent funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Emirates Red Crescent M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Emirates Red Crescent

What does Emirates Red Crescent do?

Emirates Red Crescent operates a digital donation and humanitarian services platform that enables individual donors to make Islamic charitable contributions (Zakat, Sadaqah, Fidyah, Kaffarat, Hajj/Umrah sponsorship) and sponsorships for orphans and students. The organization also provides volunteer services, supplier and internal management portals, and community initiatives including food preservation and Emirati crafts, serving individuals and families in need in the UAE and internationally.

Is Emirates Red Crescent a public or private company?

Emirates Red Crescent is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.

When was Emirates Red Crescent founded?

Emirates Red Crescent was founded in -1. It employs 11 to 50 people.

Who are Emirates Red Crescent's main competitors?

Kuwait Red Crescent Society is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Islamic Relief Worldwide, Qatar Red Crescent Society, Qatar Charity, Saudi Red Crescent Authority and Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay). Emerging players are Muslim Hands and Zakat Foundation of America. Broad incumbents are International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency).

Does Emirates Red Crescent have an API?

No public API is recorded for Emirates Red Crescent.

What industry is Emirates Red Crescent in?

Emirates Red Crescent's product category is Humanitarian Aid Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAJAF, Faith-Based Humanitarian Aid & Relief Ministries, with a secondary code of THAKAHAA, Hajj & Umrah Travel Agencies. Its NAICS code is 813110 and its SIC code is 8300.

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Live signals
The NationalAbu Dhabi eye hospital sends sight-saving aid package to GazaAbu Dhabi's Bascom Palmer Eye Institute sent $1 million worth of ophthalmic supplies to Gaza via the Emirates Red Crescent. The aid targets 5,000 patients, including over 2,000 diabetics needing urgent retinal laser treatment to prevent blindness. The supplies are due to arrive this week.Gulf TodayUAE advances Zayed’s humanitarian legacy across bordersThe UAE has significantly expanded its humanitarian initiatives in 2026, led by the 'Edge of Life' campaign which raised over Dhs2.822 billion to combat global hunger and supported various disaster relief efforts across multiple countries. Key organizations including the Emirates Red Crescent, International Charity Organisation, and Zayed for Good Foundation delivered aid to regions affected by earthquakes, floods, and conflicts, notably providing billions in assistance to Sudan and Gaza. These efforts reinforce the UAE's position as a major global donor, particularly highlighted by its role as the second-largest aid provider to Sudan and its mediation success in Ukraine.Gulf TodayERC's 'Nahr Al Hayat Fund' treats children with congenital heart disease in TanzaniaThe Emirates Red Crescent launched a medical camp in Zanzibar, Tanzania through its Nahr Al Hayat Fund to diagnose and treat children with congenital heart disease. Around 250 children underwent examinations, with some requiring complex heart surgery in Tanzania while the most severe cases will be transferred along with their families to specialized cardiac hospitals in India. The fund, established in 2023, aims to provide healthcare for children with serious illnesses across several countries.GulfNewsHow your old device can power a student’s educationThe Digital School's 'Donate Your Own Device 2.0' campaign has collected 70,000 used electronic devices, reaching 70% of its 100,000-device target, in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent and over 140 government, private sector, and educational entities across the UAE. The initiative refurbishes and redistributes devices to underserved communities in countries including Jordan, Mauritania, Lebanon, Egypt, Lesotho, Namibia, and Angola, while delivering environmental benefits such as 320 tonnes of CO₂ emissions reduced and 1.5 million kilowatts of energy saved. The campaign, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in November 2020, aims to bridge the digital education divide and has reached over 850,000 beneficiaries across 40 countries.Deccan HeraldANAX Holding Strengthens Community Giving with the Emirates Red CrescentANAX Holding, a Dubai-based investment firm, made a charitable contribution to the Emirates Red Crescent during Eid to support humanitarian programs benefiting vulnerable families in the UAE. Founder and Chairperson Satish Sanpal visited the Emirates Red Crescent Dubai Center on April 8, 2026, where he met with Director Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi to discuss collaboration between the private sector and humanitarian organizations. The contribution reflects ANAX Holding's stated commitment to social responsibility, though no specific monetary amount was disclosed.The Times of IndiaHow to qualify for a UAE Golden Visa without property or investment via the volunteering routeThe UAE has expanded its Golden Visa program to include humanitarian workers and volunteers, offering 5-to-10-year long-term residency without the need for property investment or a local sponsor. Eligible applicants must demonstrate significant contributions in recognized fields such as disaster relief, healthcare, or education through endorsement from registered organizations like Emirates Red Crescent or Dubai Cares. This policy change aims to provide stability and recognition to those dedicated to social development while reinforcing the UAE's position as a global hub for humanitarian aid.GlobeNewswireNestle introduces its very first NFTs in the Middle East & North Africa with Proceeds to CharityNestle launched its first NFTs on Opensea.io to commemorate TRIX Breakfast Cereal's launch in the Middle East & North Africa. The limited series of two NFTs, available for bidding from March 18 to May 13, will donate 100% of proceeds to the Emirates Red Crescent.The New ArabUAE build 'Zayed residential city' on Yemen's Socotra islandThe UAE is building a residential city on Yemen's Socotra island, funded by the Emirates Red Crescent to shelter families affected by Cyclone Chapala and Megh. Yemeni officials and journalists express suspicion of Emirati intentions, while the UAE claims the project is a business partnership. The island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also being targeted for tourism development.