Launched in 2004 as the region’s first ever humanitarian aid and development event, DIHAD has proudly embarked on a humanitarian journey – building bridges in the Humanitarian Aid & Development communities, highlighting the importance of humanitarian issues and addressing them in a way that would help in building a better future for all.
Held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre, DIHAD provides a platform where assistance providers can interface with relevant actors from the corporate and governmental sectors with a view to creating meaningful synergies in support of those in need.
DIHAD carries a new theme each year, thus giving the event a specific focus and direction. The 17th edition is scheduled on 15th to 17th March 2021 under the theme “Aid after Coronavirus, a focus on Africa”. DIHAD is expected to attract over 6,000 visitors and participants from over 84 countries, with a high level of speakers and panelists bringing together views and initiatives from the continent concerned (Africa) and beyond.
The previous edition (DIHAD 2019) was held under the theme “People on the Move; causes, consequences and the way forward”, wherein the Conference Program reviewed the nature and anticipated impact of the Global Compacts as well as possible solutions to the many problems related to refugees and migrants.
Over the years, DIHAD reviewed and discussed various critical issues and topics through its annual editions such as the Impact of Crisis and Disasters on Children, The Importance of Innovation in Humanitarian Aid & Development, and The Role and Importance of Youth in Humanitarian Assistance and Development Activities among many others.
The selected theme and related presentations, as well as the interaction that takes place both at the event and in the margins thereof, duly enhance the knowledge that humanitarian and development actors have about each other, thereby ensuring clarity in regard to respective roles, capacities and mandates, promoting collaboration and further reinforcing the notion of effective and coordinated action.
Over the years, DIHAD has facilitated relationships and contacts for organizations and indeed countries in the region, promoting the creation and strengthening of partnerships, which in turn have enhanced the effective delivery of humanitarian and development aid. DIHAD brings together national government authorities, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, foundations, charities, academic institutions, the media and an increasing number of actors from the private sector.
The previous editions were graced by the presence of H.E. Mr. Antonio Vitorino, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), H.E. Mr. Filippo Grandi, then Commissioner-General, United Nations Relief & Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA); H.E. Ms. Helle Thorning-Schmidt, CEO of Save the Children International, and former Prime Minister of Denmark; H.E. Ms. Helen Clark, then Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); H.E Mr. Elhadj As Sy, then Secretary General, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC); H.E. Mr. William Lacy Swing, then Director General, International Organization for Migration (IOM); H.E. Ms. Ertharin Cousin, then Executive Director of World Food Programme (WFP); H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres, then United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; Baroness Valerie Amos, then United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator; Sir Bob Geldoff, and many others.
The Conference Programme is elaborated by the DIHAD International Scientific Advisory Board (DISAB), which is comprised of internationally known aid practitioners and decision makers.
DIHAD is organized annually by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions – a member of INDEX Holding. The event is under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai; it is supported by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the Dubai Future Council on Humanitarian Aid, the Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, the UAE Red Crescent Authority, the United Nations, Dubai Cares and International Humanitarian City.
DIHAD 2019 has proudly witnessed the attendance and participation of the following:
- 640 Participating Non-Governmental Organizations, Humanitarian Governmental Associations, Companies, Suppliers, and International Brands
- 467 Pre-Arranged B2B meetings
- 48 humanitarian renowned speakers
- More than 60 Buyers coming from leading UN Agencies, Foundations and Charities from different parts of the world
- Over 5,300 delegates and participants from 84+ countries representing NGOs, Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Foundations, and Charitable organizations
