Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, inaugurated the 21st Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD 2025) at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
According to Emirates News Agency, DIHAD 2025 gathers key decision-makers from leading NGOs, UN Agencies, charity organisations, and government bodies, alongside private sector providers in aid, education, and construction. They convene to address the needs of crises-affected regions under the theme 'Humanitarian Aid and Development in a Polarised World.' Following the opening, H.H. Sheikha Latifa toured the exhibition with ambassadors and international organisation representatives.
Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, PAM Roving Ambassador for the GCC Region, and Chairman of DIHAD, emphasised the conference's role as a global platform for dialogue and collaboration. He stressed the importance of unity, innovation, and sustainability in facing global divisions and crises, asserting the UAE's ongoing dedication to global development and humanitarian efforts.
Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, highlighted the significance of DIHAD's platform in fostering global cooperation. He noted that Dubai's role as host city aligns with the UAE's vision of promoting humanitarian and developmental efforts worldwide.
The DIHAD International Personality Award for Humanitarian Relief 2025 was awarded to Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, for her leadership and contributions to global humanitarian efforts. Forbes addressed the audience, marking the 60th anniversary of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's Fundamental Principles, calling for bold actions to uphold humanitarian principles.
Ambassador Patricia Danzi, Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, expressed gratitude as Switzerland was named the Guest of Honour. She acknowledged the platform's importance in addressing global challenges and reaffirmed Switzerland's commitment to humanitarian action and international cooperation.
Eng. Khaled Al Attar, Director General of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation, announced the 'DIHAD 2044' agenda, focusing on sustainability, empowerment, partnership, education, and innovation. He highlighted DIHAD's growth into a global hub for networking and collaboration, fostering impactful cooperation across borders.
DIHAD 2025 anticipates over 18,000 participants from 160 countries, including UN agencies and humanitarian organisations. The programme covers vital topics through sessions and workshops, offering a platform for collaboration among corporate and governmental stakeholders.
The conference features two hubs: the DIHAD Government Hub, focused on creating humanitarian policies, and the Partnership Hub, designed to foster partnerships and drive impactful change in the humanitarian sector.
Day one of DIHAD 2025 included key roundtable discussions on humanitarian aid and youth volunteerism, with a High-Level Roundtable Meeting co-hosted by DIHAD and UAE Aid agency. The Emirates Humanitarian Youth Council Roundtable Meeting highlighted the role of Emirati youth in humanitarian efforts, emphasizing their contributions to disaster response.
DIHAD is organised annually by INDEX Conference and Exhibitions, supported by the UAE Aid Agency and various sponsors, including DP World Foundation and Amazon Web Services.