DIHAD 2025 Launches in Dubai to Advance Global Humanitarian Aid

The 21st Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD 2025) was inaugurated under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The official opening ceremony was led by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The event, which is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre for three days, serves as a crucial platform for the world’s most influential leaders in humanitarian aid, development, and crisis management.

Sheikha Latifa, accompanied by distinguished ambassadors, heads of delegations, and representatives from international organizations, launched the exhibition tour, reinforcing Dubai’s pivotal role in the global humanitarian landscape. This year’s theme, “Humanitarian Aid and Development in a Polarized World,” highlights the growing complexities of global humanitarian issues and underscores the need for innovative and sustainable solutions. DIHAD serves as a vital space to address challenges facing vulnerable populations, particularly in conflict zones and areas impacted by natural disasters.

Opening Ceremony: Sheikha Latifa’s Vision for Humanitarian Unity

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, PAM Roving Ambassador for the GCC Region, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation, and Chairman of the DIHAD International Scientific Advisory Board (DISAB), delivered a powerful address emphasizing the importance of collaboration in humanitarian work. He noted that the world’s crises are increasingly complex, and solutions must be driven by unity, sustainability, and innovation. “Our efforts must transcend borders and sectors to create meaningful, lasting humanitarian solutions,” Dr. AlMadani remarked.

Further echoing the UAE’s commitment to global humanitarian causes, Dr. AlMadani highlighted that the nation’s leadership remains dedicated to supporting regions devastated by disasters and enhancing the lives of underprivileged communities worldwide. The UAE’s commitment to humanitarian action is rooted in its core values of generosity and assistance to those in need, not only through government initiatives but through the active participation of citizens and organizations alike.

The UAE’s Role in Global Humanitarian Aid

Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), also spoke during the event, emphasizing the UAE’s leadership in humanitarian work. He highlighted the country’s longstanding commitment to global development, showcasing how Dubai has become a hub for international cooperation in disaster relief and development aid.

Al Muhairi pointed to the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose legacy continues to guide the nation’s approach to humanitarian aid. He underscored the significance of DIHAD as a symbol of the UAE’s leadership in the field and reiterated the country’s pledge to remain at the forefront of international disaster relief efforts.

“The UAE has always led by example in the global humanitarian sector,” Al Muhairi remarked, explaining how the country’s extensive diplomatic and charitable work reflects its strong belief in the importance of human welfare above all else. His address also highlighted the urgency of finding sustainable, collaborative solutions to the most pressing humanitarian challenges facing the world today.

Honoring Humanitarian Leadership: The DIHAD International Personality Award

At the event, the DIHAD International Personality Award for Humanitarian Relief 2025 was presented to Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Forbes was recognized for her exceptional leadership in global humanitarian efforts. In her acceptance speech, Forbes highlighted the ongoing need to uphold the core principles of humanitarian action and the importance of adapting those principles to address modern global challenges.

Forbes acknowledged the 60th anniversary of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, calling on the international community to remain committed to humanitarian action even as the political landscape becomes more complex and polarized. “In a world where humanitarian action is often misunderstood and manipulated, we must ensure that our principles remain clear and uncompromised,” Forbes stated.

Switzerland’s Participation as Guest of Honour

A special highlight of DIHAD 2025 was Switzerland’s role as the Guest of Honour. Ambassador Patricia Danzi, Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, delivered a speech reaffirming Switzerland’s longstanding commitment to global humanitarian aid. Danzi emphasized that humanitarian action must evolve to meet the challenges of the modern world and that global cooperation is critical to addressing the needs of those most affected by crises.

“Switzerland has a proud tradition of humanitarian aid,” Danzi said, noting the country’s efforts to forge innovative and sustainable partnerships through multilateral cooperation. Her speech reinforced the importance of global collaboration and mutual support in tackling complex humanitarian challenges, with particular emphasis on empowering local actors in crisis zones.

DIHAD 2044: A Vision for the Future of Humanitarian Aid

One of the most exciting announcements at DIHAD 2025 was the launch of the “DIHAD 2044” initiative. This new strategic agenda sets out a vision for the future of humanitarian aid over the next two decades. The agenda focuses on five key pillars: Sustainability, Empowerment, Partnership, Education, and Innovation. The goal is to transform the humanitarian sector, making it more inclusive, sustainable, and efficient.

Eng. Khaled Al Attar, Director General of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation, introduced the vision, revealing that the initiative aims to increase DIHAD’s impact by attracting over 500,000 professionals from around the world by 2044. The emphasis will be on fostering collaboration between governments, NGOs, and local actors, ensuring that humanitarian efforts are designed in partnership with those who are most affected by crises.

“Our vision for DIHAD 2044 is to make humanitarian action more inclusive, sustainable, and effective by engaging local actors and ensuring long-term solutions for those in need,” Eng. Al Attar remarked.

Innovative Hubs at DIHAD: Transforming Humanitarian Work

DIHAD 2025 features a series of innovative hubs designed to drive the future of humanitarian action. The DIHAD Government Hub serves as a platform for shaping policies and strategies that promote humanitarian diplomacy, while the Partnership Hub encourages collaboration between governments, NGOs, and the private sector. These spaces aim to create impactful, long-term solutions for addressing the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.

The exhibition also includes a focus on humanitarian technology, highlighting new tools and platforms that can improve the delivery of aid. By bringing together leaders from diverse sectors, DIHAD 2025 is setting the stage for future collaboration and innovation in the field.

Roundtables and Workshops: Shaping the Future of Humanitarian Action

Throughout the event, a series of high-level roundtable discussions explored critical topics in humanitarian aid, ranging from disaster response to the role of technology in crisis management. One key discussion focused on the role of youth in humanitarian work, with the Emirates Humanitarian Youth Council examining how young people can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global humanitarian action.

In addition, the High-Level Roundtable Meeting, co-hosted by DIHAD and the UAE Aid agency, provided a platform for senior officials and experts to discuss innovative solutions for global crises. These roundtables are central to DIHAD’s mission of fostering collaboration and driving actionable change in the humanitarian sector.

Looking Ahead: DIHAD’s Global Impact

With over 18,000 participants expected from more than 160 countries, DIHAD 2025 is positioning itself as a critical hub for the global humanitarian community. The event will feature 64 main sessions, 197 workshops, and participation from over 1,000 organizations working on humanitarian aid and development projects worldwide.

As the event progresses, DIHAD continues to highlight the importance of global partnerships, knowledge sharing, and innovative solutions to the most pressing humanitarian challenges. With the backing of both the UAE government and international organizations, DIHAD remains a powerful platform for fostering collaboration and improving lives across the globe.