…Sustained Support for Palestine and the Palestinian People 

A CIA document from 2008 estimated broader Palestinian community in Kingdom comprising both expatriate workers and long-term residents at between 1.08 and 1.40 lac. These individuals typically occupy professional and managerial roles, with average stays ranging from four to ten years.

Regarding refugees, a 2001 study cited 274,762 Palestinians residing in Saudi Arabia, while a 2009 estimate suggested a range from 240,000 up to one million.

While the distribution across individual years is unclear, a substantial portion of this funding falls within the last decade, underscoring the Kingdom’s continued commitment.

The UAE’s Generous and Long-Term Support

The United Arab Emirates stands out for its sustained humanitarian and developmental engagement with the Palestinian people. Estimates from 2025 suggest that approximately 400,000 Palestinians currently live and work in the UAE many of whom have been settled since the 1970s.

A CIA report observed that roughly half of them live with their families, effectively making them long-term residents rather than temporary expatriates.

Financially, the UAE’s assistance to Palestine between 2018 and 2023 totaled around US$521 million, including nearly US$120 million channeled through UNRWA. These funds have supported education, healthcare, housing and infrastructure projects, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank. The UAE’s approach blends humanitarian relief with sustainable development, enabling Palestinian families to build self-reliant communities.

Qatar’s Distinctive Humanitarian Role

Qatar has emerged as another key supporter of Palestinian welfare, providing both political and financial backing. Data from 2021 indicates that approximately 86,000 Palestinians reside in Qatar, many contributing to the country’s education, engineering and healthcare sectors.

Financially, Qatar’s aid between 2012 and 2018 exceeded US$1.1 billion, focused largely on rebuilding and stabilizing Gaza.

Other GCC States: Collective Commitment

Other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have also maintained a consistent record of support. Kuwait, for instance, provided approximately US$758 million in aid to Palestinians between 1994 and 2020. Smaller Palestinian communities also live and work in Bahrain (9,000) and Oman (14,000), though detailed data on duration of residence remain scarce.

Historical studies indicate that many Palestinians have been settled across the Gulf since the 1960s and 1970s, forming an enduring and integrated diaspora.

Tuarkey’s Complementary Efforts

Beyond the Gulf, Turkey has consistently reinforced its solidarity with Palestine through humanitarian, developmental and educational initiatives.

Since 2005, TIKA alone has implemented more than 340 projects in Palestine valued at US$400 million, spanning health education and infrastructure.

Turkey has also made substantial contributions to UNRWA, including a US$10 million donation in 2018. In response to recent crises particularly the 2023–2025 Gaza conflict Turkey dispatched over 100,000 tons of humanitarian supplies.

Educationally, more than 530 Palestinian students currently study in Turkey through government scholarship programs, reflecting Ankara’s commitment to human development alongside emergency aid.

Taken together, the data show that Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and their regional partners have provided consistent, measurable and multifaceted support to Palestinian people. Their contributions spanning financial aid, employment opportunities, humanitarian relief and long-term residency reflect a sustained regional commitment that transcends rhetoric.

While global attention often focuses on diplomatic statements or temporary ceasefires, the long-term social, economic and humanitarian engagement of these nations remains a vital lifeline for millions of Palestinians striving for stability, dignity and hope.