Dubai: As the countdown to the 22nd edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) 2026 enters its final week, Dubai is preparing to welcome thousands of humanitarian leaders, policymakers, experts, organizations, and partners from across the globe. This event, known as the World's Leading Event on Humanitarian Aid and Development, will see the international humanitarian community come together to shape a defining conversation on the future of humanitarian action.
According to Emirates News Agency, DIHAD 2026, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 24th to 26th August 2026, is expected to attract more than 21,000 participants, delegates, and visitors from over 165 countries. The event will feature Government Authorities, United Nations Agencies, Red Cross and Red Crescent, International and Regional Organizations, NGOs, Academic and Research Institutions, Private Sector, Foundations and Philanthropic Organizations, Financial Institutions and Development Banks, and the Media.
Held under the theme 'Humanitarianism in Transition: Shaping the Future of Humanitarian Action,' this year's edition comes at a pivotal moment for the humanitarian sector. With increasingly complex crises, evolving global needs, and rapidly changing operating environments, there is a call for new approaches to collaboration, innovation, and response.
DIHAD 2026 will serve as a global platform for the humanitarian community to examine the forces reshaping the sector, explore new models of partnership and leadership, and identify practical pathways for turning dialogue and knowledge into sustainable impact. The scale and diversity of participation reflect the event's growing role as a meeting point for the international humanitarian community.
More than 1,000 participating entities and partners from around the world will gather at DIHAD 2026, alongside over 320 renowned humanitarian speakers contributing across 260+ key sessions and workshops. The programme will bring together leading voices to examine evolving humanitarian needs, emerging challenges, and the priorities shaping the future of humanitarian action.
The event will also welcome more than 180 buyers from leading UN agencies, foundations, and charitable organizations, creating opportunities for meaningful engagement, knowledge exchange, strategic partnerships, and the exploration of solutions designed to support humanitarian operations.
Further strengthening the collaborative foundation of this year's edition, the UAE Aid Agency has been announced as the Official Partner of DIHAD 2026. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to bringing the global humanitarian community together through meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and partnerships.
Amb. Prof. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Organisation and Chairman of DISAB, Roving Ambassador of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) for the GCC Region, commented, 'DIHAD 2026 comes at a defining moment for the humanitarian sector, as profound changes are reshaping the way we collaborate, respond to crises, and develop solutions capable of creating lasting impact.'
The participation of the Kingdom of Denmark as the Country Guest of Honour, alongside the official partnership with the UAE Aid Agency and the strong presence of international humanitarian organizations, reflects the essence of DIHAD. Denmark's participation highlights its longstanding commitment to humanitarian action, international cooperation, and global partnerships.
The conference programme is structured around three interconnected themes: 'Understanding the Transition: Drivers of Change in Humanitarianism,' 'Leading the Change: Shaping the Future of Humanitarian Practices,' and 'Delivering Impact: Operationalising the Future of Humanitarian Action.' These themes reflect the central message of this year's edition, moving from understanding the forces driving change to leading transformation and delivering measurable impact.
Beyond its high-level conference programme, DIHAD 2026 will present specialised events, strategic meetings, and dedicated platforms designed to translate knowledge into action and foster meaningful collaboration across the humanitarian ecosystem.
The DIHAD Conference and Exhibition is organized annually by INDEX Conference and Exhibitions Org, a member of INDEX Holding, and is officially supported by various organizations and sponsors, including UAE Aid Agency, the United Nations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, and others.