As part of early post-war reconstruction efforts, the United Arab Emirates has announced plans to finance Gaza's first planned community on the devastated outskirts of Rafah in southern Gaza. The goal of this new community project is to provide Palestinians with access to necessities like housing, healthcare, education, and running water—all of which are critical for re-establishing daily life following significant devastation.

According to the project's blueprints, it would be the UAE's first significant investment in a planned reconstruction project inside the area of Gaza that Israel currently controls. This would build on the UAE's position as a significant provider of humanitarian aid to the area.

The planned community’s development could serve as a model for future reconstruction, helping to establish stable living areas with infrastructure that supports long-term recovery. It reflects a shift from emergency aid toward longer-term development planning in Gaza.

Full reconstruction of Gaza is expected to be a massive, multidecade effort, with experts estimating it could cost at least $70 billion and take many years to complete. Projects like this community represent initial steps toward rebuilding essential structures and services in the territory