UAE Dispatches Emergency Crews to Combat Wildfires in Albania
In the scorching heat of August 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a proactive step to combat the severe wildfires ravaging Albania. A specialized firefighting team, equipped with helicopters, advanced firefighting equipment, and qualified personnel, was dispatched to aid local authorities in tackling the fires [1][3].
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's directive marked the UAE's commitment to international humanitarian missions and rapid disaster response, reflecting solidarity and international cooperation in the face of climate-related crises [1][2][3]. The team arrived in Tirana, Albania's capital, on August 11, 2025, and has been conducting aerial firefighting sorties and on-ground operations in critically affected areas such as Petrela and Gramsh [1][2][3][5].
The UAE's efforts in Albania are part of a growing pattern of the country mobilizing aid teams worldwide for various humanitarian, medical, and environmental emergencies [3]. This deployment underscores the UAE’s reputation as a reliable global partner in emergency response, deploying modern equipment and skilled personnel to natural disaster zones, including wildfire incidents exacerbated by climate change [3].
Albanian officials have praised the UAE's swift, efficient, and technologically advanced support, highlighting it as a symbol of strong bilateral relations and collaborative disaster relief efforts [1][3]. The operation is being carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Interior, represented by Abu Dhabi Civil Defence.
The wildfires and extreme heat are affecting multiple countries in the Mediterranean region, with Italy, France, and Spain issuing warnings or alerts related to the heatwave and wildfires. Extreme weather alerts have been issued for several major cities in Italy, including Rome, Milan, and Naples, and a four-year-old boy has tragically died of heatstroke in Sardinia, Italy [4]. France has issued heatwave warnings covering about half of the country, while Spain has raised the alarm over dangerous conditions in Zaragoza and the Basque Country.
The surging temperatures in August follow on from the world's third hottest July on record, with the average surface temperature last month being 1.25°C above the average pre-industrial level. The wildfires in the Mediterranean are being exacerbated by these soaring temperatures, adding to the urgency of the international community's response.
This deployment by the UAE serves as a testament to its proactive stance in contributing to international wildfire relief and climate disaster assistance during increasingly frequent extreme heatwaves and environmental emergencies. The UAE's efforts demonstrate a commitment to solidarity and cooperation in the global fight against the impacts of climate change.
[1] https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae-news/uae-sends-emergency-team-to-albania-to-help-fight-wildfires-1.11270598 [2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/11/uae-sends-firefighting-team-to-albania-to-help-tackle-wildfires [3] https://gulfnews.com/uae/uae-news/uae-sends-firefighting-team-to-albania-to-help-tackle-wildfires-1.11270598 [4] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-59933593
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