United Arab Emirates plans to bankroll first ‘planned community’ in south Gaza

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 7 min read 100% complete by Cate Brown in WashingtonJanuary 23, 2026 at 07:54 PM

AI Summary

long article 7 min

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) plans to fund Gaza's first "planned community" near Rafah, offering residents access to basic services in exchange for biometric data and security vetting. This marks the UAE's first investment in post-war reconstruction in Israeli-held Gaza, adding to the $1.8 billion in humanitarian aid the UAE has already provided. Blueprints for the project, approved by Israeli military planners, were presented to European donors in January. The US-led Board of Peace, with backing from Donald Trump, will oversee reconstruction efforts in Gaza, with this Emirati-backed community potentially serving as a model for future residential camps. Planners aim to prevent Hamas influence within the community.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Josh Gruenbaum 40% Hamas 40% Abu Dhabi 40% Board of Peace ×350% Steve Witkoff ×250% Civil Military Coordination Center ×250% United States ×560% Jared Kushner ×260% Israel ×470% Rafah ×270% Gaza ×890% United Arab Emirates ×690%

Keywords

planned community 90% gaza reconstruction 80% united arab emirates 80% rafah 70% post-war reconstruction 70% biometric data collection 60% humanitarian assistance 60% board of peace 50% security vetting 50% alternative safe communities 50%