Latest news with #DIHAD
Gulf Today
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
DIHAD participants hail UAE's humanitarian leadership
The Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD 2025) saw strong participation from international and UN organisations, who praised the UAE's global humanitarian leadership and the event's role in fostering international coordination and innovation. Stephen Anderson, Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) Office in the UAE and WEP Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), described the UAE as one of WFP's most important humanitarian partners, citing two decades of collaboration and the strategic support offered through Dubai's Jebel Ali facilities. He noted the UAE's key contributions to operations in Gaza, Yemen, Syria and Türkiye. Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Anderson added that DIHAD provides a vital platform for connecting humanitarian agencies, development bodies, private sector players and academia, while showcasing the UAE's use of advanced technology to improve aid delivery. He also highlighted the role of private sector partnerships in preserving beneficiaries' dignity and improving food security. Sajeda Shawa, Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the UAE, described DIHAD as a critical event for reinforcing global humanitarian efforts. She praised the UAE's longstanding support and OCHA's 21-year involvement as a key partner and member of DIHAD's Scientific Advisory Board. Shawa referenced a pre-conference workshop on 28th February, titled Humanitarian Values and International Law, which addressed the role of diplomacy, technology and AI in modern humanitarian response. Madelaine Kuns, International Director of Communications and Fundraising at Jesuit Refugee Service, said DIHAD offers valuable opportunities for partnership-building and knowledge exchange. The organisation operates in over 58 countries, including Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq, focusing on education, vocational training and community support for refugees. WAM
Al Etihad
02-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
TRENDS explores the role of scientific research and technology in predicting and responding to humanitarian crises
2 May 2025 15:28 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)TRENDS Research & Advisory participated in the 21st edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) 2025, held from April 29 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme "Humanitarian Aid and Development in a Polarised World".Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Senior Researcher and Deputy Head of the Research Sector at TRENDS Research & Advisory, participated in a panel discussion titled "The Role of Research and Technology in Predicting and Responding to Humanitarian Crises".He stated that humanitarian crises represent an increasingly critical global challenge, arising from various factors including natural disasters, armed conflicts, epidemics, and displacement. These crises lead to widespread suffering, loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure, and a significant hindrance to sustainable noted that given the limitations of available resources and the growing scale and complexity of these crises, the search for innovative and effective solutions for humanitarian assistance has become essential. In this context, AI has emerged as a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionise multiple sectors. He emphasised that it is now difficult to identify any field that does not, in one way or another, integrate AI into its systems, including the humanitarian aid sector. Anticipating Future Challenges Al-Shehhi noted that while traditional strategies for dealing with humanitarian crises do exist, and the international community has built substantial expertise in this field over decades at both the national and organisational levels, technology, particularly AI, has proven its ability to significantly enhance crisis response. Through AI, crisis management professionals can better anticipate future challenges, analyse big data, and distribute aid with greater precision and explained that with the continuous advancement of AI technologies, this field is expected to play an increasingly vital role in improving humanitarian response to crises and disasters. Among the most promising applications of AI in humanitarian settings is the enhancement of crisis prediction capabilities. By developing more sophisticated algorithms capable of real-time data analysis, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of predicting natural disasters and humanitarian conflicts, enabling more efficient and timely early responses. Enhancing Supply Chains Al-Shehhi explained that the use of robots and drones can be expanded in search and rescue operations and in delivering aid to hard-to-reach areas, contributing to reduced risks for humanitarian workers. He also highlighted the development of AI systems capable of adapting to complex and rapidly changing environments during crises, supporting faster, more accurate decision-making based on real-time data. He added that AI plays a crucial role in improving inventory management, supply chains, and the distribution of food and medical aid. By leveraging AI-driven analysis, humanitarian operations can ensure that assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations more efficiently and effectively. Rapid Innovative Solutions Al-Shehhi concluded by emphasising that AI is a pivotal tool in enhancing humanitarian crisis response, as it enables rapid and innovative solutions through data analysis, crisis prediction, and the efficient distribution of aid. However, he noted that achieving success in this area requires overcoming both technical and ethical challenges to ensure fairness and effectiveness in humanitarian aid. He stressed that in order to strengthen the use of AI in crisis response, it is essential for governments to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, increase investment in research and development, and establish regulatory legal frameworks that govern the use of AI in the humanitarian field. Dedicated Knowledge Pavilion TRENDS Research & Advisory had a dedicated knowledge pavilion (N12) at the exhibition held alongside the conference, showcasing a wide range of books and studies. Publications focused on advanced technologies and AI attracted significant interest from specialists and humanitarian also expressed strong appreciation for TRENDS' studies addressing critical topics such as human security, climate change, migration, armed conflicts, and pandemics, praising the depth of their content, analytical rigour, and insightful outlook on the future of humanitarian challenges.
Hi Dubai
02-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
DIHAD 2025 Showcases UAE's Humanitarian Vision and Industrial Drive
Dubai concluded the 21st edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) with record participation and a clear message: the UAE is shaping a new model that fuses humanitarian aid with industrial growth. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, DIHAD 2025 drew over 18,000 participants from more than 160 countries. The event featured 1,063 humanitarian-focused organisations and 131 global experts, highlighting the UAE's growing role in global relief efforts. The Humanthropy 2025 Awards honoured key contributors across 12 categories. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of Dubai's Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, received the Humanthropy Personality of the Year Award. Other notable recipients included the UNHCR, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, the Big Heart Foundation, and the Egyptian Food Bank. A landmark agreement between the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian & Charity Establishment and Al Jalila Foundation was also signed, boosting support for the Nabadat Campaign—an initiative offering life-saving heart treatments for children. As humanitarian needs grow worldwide, the UAE is positioning its industrial sector as a critical force for sustainable development. Through Operation 300bn, the country aims to boost the sector's GDP contribution to AED 300 billion by 2031, promoting local production to support relief efforts and strengthen supply chains. Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam Al Madani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation, said aligning local manufacturing with humanitarian demand will open new markets, create jobs, and reinforce the UAE's role as a global humanitarian hub. This year's DIHAD not only recognised humanitarian excellence but also showcased a forward-thinking strategy that ties industrial resilience to global aid delivery. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Al Etihad
01-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE organisations among top honourees at 'Humanthropy 2025'
1 May 2025 23:29 DUBAI (WAM) The 21st edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition – DIHAD – concluded Thursday under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of year's edition recorded 137 nominations from 42 countries, reflecting humanitarian efforts' global scale and diversity. The awards covered 12 categories, highlighting multiple fields of service and the distinguished recipients of the Humanthropy 2025 Awards was Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), Dubai, who was honoured with the Humanthropy Personality of the Year Award. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) received the Humanthropy Corporate Social Responsibility Award, while Fatma Essa Almheiri, Acting Director of Technology Adoption and Development at the Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology, was named Emerging Humanitarian Humanthropy Financial Impact Award was presented to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and David Harland, Executive Director of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue; Member of the United Nations Secretary General's High-Level Advisory Board on Mediation, United Nations, received the Global Peacebuilding Award. Emaar Foundation was recognised with the Humanthropy Philanthropic Award, and the Egyptian Food Bank was awarded for its Leadership in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Thomas Peter, Head of the Coordination Platforms Unit at OCHA Geneva, received the Humanthropy Spotlight Award, while Dubai Humanitarian earned the Humanthropy Supply Chain Excellence Big Heart Foundation was recognised with the Humanthropy Sustainability addition, Ambassador Arthur Mattli, Ambassador of Switzerland to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, was presented with the Humanthropy Unity in Diversity Award. The Humanthropy Visionary Award was granted to Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar, Chief Executive Officer of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, UAE, for her forward-thinking contributions to humanitarian growing global humanitarian challenges, the UAE's industrial sector is increasingly emerging as a strategic pillar for driving sustainable development and supporting humanitarian and relief Operation 300bn, the UAE aims to raise the industrial sector's contribution to GDP from Dh133 billion to Dh300 billion by strengthening the 'Made in the Emirates' brand and enhancing the competitiveness of national products, the UAE is paving the way for a humanitarian-industrial model that leverages local manufacturing capabilities to meet urgent relief needs and contribute to long-term global development. This approach not only reduces dependency on imports but also reinforces supply chain resilience, supports sustainable economic growth, and aligns with the country's broader climate and development Dr. Abdulsalam Al Madani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation, Chairman of DISAB, and Roving Ambassador of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) for the GCC Region, stated, 'Directing local production to meet the growing needs of the humanitarian sector will create new manufacturing opportunities, boost national exports, and open unconventional markets to UAE products. This, in turn, supports the growth of local businesses, creates jobs for citizens and residents, and transforms the humanitarian field into a true economic driver that enhances the UAE's global competitiveness and affirms its role as a regional and international hub for humanitarian and philanthropic economies.'On the last day of DIHAD 2025, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian & Charity Establishment and Al Jalila Foundation signed a cooperation agreement to support the Nabadat Campaign—a life-saving initiative that provides heart treatments for children with congenital heart defects, both in the UAE and signing took place in the presence of H.E. Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Supervisory Steering Committee of Dubai Schools Abdulla Al partnership reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to strengthen local and global humanitarian cooperation and to direct resources toward the most vulnerable, particularly children in urgent need of medical 2025 witnessed record-breaking attendance, attracting over 18,000 participants and visitors from more than 160 countries, and featuring over 1,063 humanitarian-focused organisations and 131 global expert speakers. The conference programme addressed critical topics across 64 main sessions and 197 specialised workshops offering hands-on training for humanitarian professionals.
Hi Dubai
30-04-2025
- Health
- Hi Dubai
UAE Aid Agency Explores Partnership with Swiss Counterpart to Boost Global Humanitarian Impact
The UAE Aid Agency has initiated talks with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation to strengthen joint efforts in global humanitarian and development work. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD), where both sides explored opportunities to collaborate on critical global challenges. The goal is to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and expand the reach of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities worldwide. Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, and Patricia Danzi, Director-General of the Swiss agency, led the meeting. Both parties emphasized the need for coordinated action to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of aid delivery. The talks focused on areas including education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure development. By pooling resources and expertise, the agencies aim to improve living conditions and create long-term, sustainable impact in underserved regions. This initiative marks a step toward deeper international collaboration in humanitarian affairs, as the UAE continues to position itself as a key global player in aid and development. News Source: Emirates News Agency
