Latest news with #DubaiHumanitarian
Zawya
5 hours ago
- General
- Zawya
Dubai Humanitarian leads collective tribute on World Humanitarian Day 2025 with UN and partners
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: In observance of World Humanitarian Day 2025, Dubai Humanitarian convened a community gathering alongside the UN Resident Coordinator Office in the UAE, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the UAE Aid Agency to honour the dedication, courage, and sacrifices of humanitarian workers, and to reaffirm that civilians and aid workers must never be a target. Held under the theme 'Act for Humanity', the event took place at Dubai Humanitarian's headquarters and brought together representatives from UN agencies, UAE-based aid organisations, international NGOs, and government partners. The gathering served as a moment of collective reflection on the courage of those who serve on the frontlines of crises, while also underscoring the growing need for global solidarity and principled humanitarian action. The programme featured speeches by HE Bérangère Boëll, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE; Mrs. Sajeda Shawa, Head of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) - UAE office; and HE Rashed Al Hamiri, Director of the Operations Department at UAE Aid. A minute of silence was observed in memory of those who have lost their lives while helping others. Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, opened the event by underscoring the importance to carry forward our humanitarian mission through continued collaboration with partners across every sector. In his remarks, he stated: ' World Humanitarian Day is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and responsibility. As an active participant in the humanitarian ecosystem, Dubai Humanitarian bears witness to the great sacrifices humanitarian workers make. We stand in solidarity with all those affected by crises, aid workers and civilians alike, and reaffirm our commitment to delivering hope, dignity, and support wherever it is needed, no matter the challenge or distance.' For her part, HE Bérangère Boëll, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE, added: ' On this World Humanitarian Day, we honor those we have lost and the courage of those who continue to serve. But remembrance must be matched by resolve, to protect civilians, to defend international humanitarian law, and to ensure that aid is never blocked, never politicized, and never forgotten.' HE Rashed Alhemeri, Executive Director of Operations at UAE Aid, said: ' The humanitarian aid is in the DNA of the UAE and the guidance and directives of our leaders have pushed the UAE's global humanitarian response to higher levels. The UAE allocated 40% of its total foreign assistance during the last two years to the humanitarian response. We commemorate the UAE's humanitarian martyrs and all others who lost their lives while helping others. Rashid Al Hemeir also referred to 2025, the Year of the Community and its slogan 'hand in hand' and stressed that it is only by working together as partners that we can address the serious challenges the humanitarian work is facing especially to access people in need and avail the resources required.' In the closing remarks, Sajeda Shawa, Head of OCHA's UAE Office, said: ' Today, after more than two decades since the horrific explosion in 2003, the dangers have only grown. In 2024 alone, 383 humanitarian workers were killed – the highest number ever recorded. This year, we are already counting devastating losses. We face unprecedented challenges. 300 million people are in urgent need of assistance this year, yet humanitarian operations are only 18 per cent funded. Millions will go without food, medicine, or protection. These are the steepest cuts we have ever faced – and the cost will be measured in lives. That is why OCHA's Humanitarian Reset is about more than reform, it is about renewal. We are putting people, not systems, at the center. We are shifting power to local communities. We are cutting through inefficiency. We are recommitting to the essence of humanitarianism: protecting life with dignity,' added Shawa World Humanitarian Day, observed every year on 19 August, was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008. The day commemorates the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, honours the sacrifices of humanitarian workers, and underscores the importance of protecting civilians and those serving in humanitarian settings. Each year, it serves as a powerful reminder of the need to uphold international humanitarian principles and to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian action around the world.
Emirates 24/7
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai Humanitarian leads collective tribute on World Humanitarian Day 2025
In observance of World Humanitarian Day 2025, Dubai Humanitarian convened a community gathering alongside the UN Resident Coordinator Office in the UAE, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the UAE Aid Agency to honour the dedication, courage, and sacrifices of humanitarian workers, and to reaffirm that civilians and aid workers must never be a target. Held under the theme 'Act for Humanity', the event took place at Dubai Humanitarian's headquarters and brought together representatives from UN agencies, UAE-based aid organisations, international NGOs, and government partners. The gathering served as a moment of collective reflection on the courage of those who serve on the frontlines of crises, while also underscoring the growing need for global solidarity and principled humanitarian action. The programme featured speeches by Bérangère Boëll, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE; Sajeda Shawa, Head of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) - UAE office; and Rashed Al Hamiri, Director of the Operations Department at UAE Aid. A minute of silence was observed in memory of those who have lost their lives while helping others. Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, opened the event by underscoring the importance to carry forward our humanitarian mission through continued collaboration with partners across every sector. In his remarks, he stated, 'World Humanitarian Day is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and responsibility. As an active participant in the humanitarian ecosystem, Dubai Humanitarian bears witness to the great sacrifices humanitarian workers make. We stand in solidarity with all those affected by crises, aid workers and civilians alike, and reaffirm our commitment to delivering hope, dignity, and support wherever it is needed, no matter the challenge or distance.' For her part, Bérangère Boëll, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE, added, 'On this World Humanitarian Day, we honour those we have lost and the courage of those who continue to serve. But remembrance must be matched by resolve, to protect civilians, to defend international humanitarian law, and to ensure that aid is never blocked, never politicised, and never forgotten.' Rashed Alhemeri, Executive Director of Operations at UAE Aid, said, 'The humanitarian aid is in the DNA of the UAE and the guidance and directives of our leaders have pushed the UAE's global humanitarian response to higher levels. The UAE allocated 40 percent of its total foreign assistance during the last two years to the humanitarian response. We commemorate the UAE's humanitarian martyrs and all others who lost their lives while helping others. Rashid Al Hemeir also referred to 2025, the Year of the Community and its slogan 'hand in hand' and stressed that it is only by working together as partners that we can address the serious challenges the humanitarian work is facing especially to access people in need and avail the resources required.' In the closing remarks, Sajeda Shawa, Head of OCHA's UAE Office, said, 'Today, after more than two decades since the horrific explosion in 2003, the dangers have only grown. In 2024 alone, 383 humanitarian workers were killed – the highest number ever recorded. This year, we are already counting devastating losses. "We face unprecedented challenges. 300 million people are in urgent need of assistance this year, yet humanitarian operations are only 18 per cent funded. Millions will go without food, medicine, or protection. These are the steepest cuts we have ever faced – and the cost will be measured in lives. That is why OCHA's Humanitarian Reset is about more than reform, it is about renewal. We are putting people, not systems, at the center. We are shifting power to local communities. We are cutting through inefficiency. We are recommitting to the essence of humanitarianism: protecting life with dignity,' Shawa added. World Humanitarian Day, observed every year on 19th August, was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008. The day commemorates the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, honours the sacrifices of humanitarian workers, and underscores the importance of protecting civilians and those serving in humanitarian settings. Each year, it serves as a powerful reminder of the need to uphold international humanitarian principles and to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian action around the world.
Mid East Info
16 hours ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Powerful New Documentary Spotlights World's Largest Humanitarian Logistics Hub in Dubai - Middle East Business News and Information
– ' Coming Together: The Dubai Humanitarian Story' provides a unique behind-the-scenes look inside the heart of one of the largest global disaster response facilities – Dubai Humanitarian – First six months of 2025 saw AED179.2M of humanitarian aid distributed from Dubai Humanitarian across 81 countries, reflected in its Humanitarian Logistics Databank Dubai, UAE – Dubai Humanitarian, the world's largest humanitarian logistics hub, has unveiled a new documentary, Coming Together: The Dubai Humanitarian Story – a gripping behind-the-scenes look at the premier disaster response facility. From devastating floods in Pakistan to the escalating conflict in Gaza, the film captures real-time coordination between United Nations agencies, international NGOs, and government partners. It reveals how Dubai Humanitarian's 150,000 sqm of warehouses – donated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai – enables life-saving supplies like vaccines, health kits, and clean water to reach crisis zones within hours. The documentary highlights the critical role of partners including the UN World Food Programme and UNHCR, and government logistical partners like Dubai Customs and Emirates Airline, whose close collaboration ensure relief efforts are swift, seamless, and scalable. Their combined expertise in customs clearance, logistics, and airlift capacity has proven vital in overcoming the most complex humanitarian challenges and ensuring response and aid are provided in record time. This new documentary also underscores the human stories behind the headlines – of aid workers, customs officials, and airline crews working as one to deliver hope. 'Dubai Humanitarian is more than a logistics hub – it's a global lifeline,' said Giuseppe Saba, CEO, Dubai Humanitarian, 'This film shows what's possible when the world comes together, and when the UAE leads with purpose.' Saba added: '2025 continues to bring extraordinary global challenges. Working alongside our UN partners and other relief organisations, in just the first half of the year Dubai Humanitarian facilitated the delivery of over AED 179.2 million in aid to 81 countries across the globe, with the need for shelter and health aid being particularly striking. We remain steadfast in our commitment to stand with our international humanitarian community in safeguarding the most vulnerable.' Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) UAE, Sajeda Shawa, said: 'We need to make sure humanitarian aid is delivered based on humanitarian principles – with no discrimination and with equality. Being the voice of those who have no voice is not a luxury – it's a responsibility, an honour and a life calling.' Dubai Humanitarian's one of a kind, AI-powered Humanitarian Logistics Databank enables real-time analytics, demand forecasting, and stock visibility across time zones. It helps aid agencies anticipate needs, avoid price spikes, and prepare for seasonal surges, such as monsoon-related shelter demand in Bangladesh. Dubai's strategic location, just 10 minutes from Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport, allows humanitarian cargo to reach two-thirds of the world's hazard-prone population within 4 to 8 hours. As the databank expands to 11 hubs, aid will be increasingly sourced locally, reducing carbon emissions and delivery times. Dubai Humanitarian aid in numbers Jan to Jun 2025: $48.8m Aid worth $48,867,298 distributed from Dubai Humanitarian. 81 Aid sent to 81 countries. $14m Health Aid: This included $13,969,276 worth of health accessories, medical equipment, pharmaceutical items and more. $1m Water and Sanitation Aid: The demand for water and sanitation aid included $733,297 worth of water supply items, ranging from buckets and containers to Jerry Cans. $15m Shelter Aid: Almost a third of all aid was allocated to shelter. This included 937,377 pieces of camping and field equipment, from tents to winterisation kits $208.1m Stock value available at Dubai Humanitarian in June 2025. 25 During the first half of 2025, key moments included the 25th Dubai Humanitarian airlift for Gaza. The April operation delivered 56.8 metric tonnes of critical medical supplies worth over $1million (AED4.3million), provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), to El Arish Airport in Egypt. About Dubai Humanitarian: Dubai Humanitarian, formerly known as the International Humanitarian City, is the largest humanitarian hub in the world. Established in 2003 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, it was created to proactively support the efforts of the international humanitarian community. As the only non-profit, independent humanitarian free zone authority, Dubai Humanitarian is home to a diverse community of around 80 members, including United Nations agencies, non-profits, non-governmental organizations, and commercial companies. Together, they work to advance humanitarian and development efforts worldwide. Benefits of the Humanitarian Logistics Databank To countries in need of aid: Real-time analytics and 24/7/365 visibility of aid levels – daily updates provides accurate data, especially convenient across time zones and saves phone calls Enhanced co-ordination and faster identification of aid partners –countries requiring aid have access to detailed data, including which members from UN World Food Programme to UNICEF within Dubai Humanitarian have how much of each product, so they can approach them direct for support, knowing their current stock levels To Dubai Humanitarian-based aid agencies: Prepare more effectively by anticipating aid demand – as aid flows can be tracked over time, through its ongoing AI backed data analysis, Dubai Humanitarian can advise aid agencies when demand will likely peak and aid levels will run low. For example, during the August monsoon season in Bangladesh, Dubai Humanitarian identified the higher annual demand for tents and blankets. Aid agencies at Dubai Humanitarian can then build up stocks ahead of time Avoid price spikes – By building up stock ahead of demand spikes, aid agencies can manage stocks more effectively and purchase aid ahead of price surges. To Dubai Humanitarian Anticipate storage needs – Dubai Humanitarian continually analyses its data to understand changing demand for different types of aid. By recognising the increase in health product demand in the early years of the databank, Dubai Humanitarian were able to expand its cold storage solutions and were then more prepared for the Covid-19 response as a result. Global sustainability Reducing travel distances and carbon emissions – Due to Dubai's strategic geographic position on the path between Middle East, Asia and Africa, and Dubai Humanitarian being located only 10 minutes away from the Jebel Ali seaport and Al Maktoum airport, it enables the humanitarian community to reach, within 4-8 hours, two-thirds of the world population living in hazard-prone areas. Future view: locating local aid – As the databank grows to include up to 11 hubs, countries and organisations in need will be able to effectively locate their closest available aid, reducing travel time and emissions, with aid able to travel by road and sea rather than air. Interview opportunities or commentary: Giuseppe Saba, CEO, Dubai Humanitarian Giuseppe Saba is a leading logistics and support services expert. He is the founder of the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot Network (UNHRD) and joined Dubai Humanitarian as CEO in 2017, leading the launch of the Humanitarian Logistics Databank in 2018. Hanan Almarzooqi, Director of Operations & Humanitarian Initiatives, Dubai Humanitarian.
Al Etihad
20 hours ago
- General
- Al Etihad
UAE humanitarians determined to ‘make a difference' despite challenges
20 Aug 2025 00:33 MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)Humanitarian leaders, government officials, and diplomats came together in Dubai on Tuesday to honour the heroes who went above and beyond the call of duty to deliver aid in crisis zones. Held at Dubai Humanitarian's headquarters, the event also saw the participation of young Emiratis determined to serve those in need despite challenging conditions. Dubai Humanitarian convened the community gathering alongside the UN Resident Coordinator Office in the UAE, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the UAE Aid Agency. 'This day (World Humanitarian Day) reminds us of the brave men and women who dedicate themselves to helping others. August 19 was chosen to honour the humanitarian staff who lost their lives in the UN Baghdad attack of 2003,' said Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, in his opening remarks. 'Many of those who have lost their lives did so because of their unwavering dedication to helping others,' Saba said. 'World Humanitarian Day is not a celebration, but a day of remembrance.'A minute of silence was observed in memory of those who have sacrificed their lives in the line of Anderson, Director of World Food Programme's (WFP) UAE Office and Representative to GCC Region, spoke about the difficult conditions that humanitarian teams experience in conflict areas, as well as regions affected by natural disasters.'Yet the commitment to delivering life-saving aid drives us forward. With the support of hubs like Dubai Humanitarian, we can deliver food and resources quickly, efficiently, and without extra cost to those in need,' Anderson the event, dignitaries and UN representatives underscored the importance of global solidarity and youth involvement in humanitarian work. Young Emiratis, who are devoting their careers to helping others as part of WFP, shared what it truly takes to lend a hand in times of crisis and despair.'Humanitarian work is about courage and responsibility. We go into difficult environments not for recognition, but because we want to make a difference,' said Noor Bukhammas, Strategic Liaison Officer at WFP in the GCC. Sharing his experience on the ground, Ali Almoqadam, Procurement Officer, added, 'Being in conflict-hit regions, you realise how every contribution matters, whether it is delivering food, medical supplies, or simply hope to families in need.' For Amnah Alhashmi, Communications and Media Outreach Analyst at WFP in the GCC, collaboration is another driving force behind lifesaving humanitarian action. 'When organisations, governments, and communities work together, we can overcome even the most challenging crises,' she said. Dubai Humanitarian, the largest humanitarian hub in the world, is a testament to 'the power of efficient, coordinated humanitarian work', said Sara Fikree, Strategic Market Analyst. 'Its infrastructure allows us to respond faster to crises in Gaza, Sudan, Ethiopia, and beyond.'
Dubai Eye
a day ago
- Politics
- Dubai Eye
Dubai Humanitarian leads tribute in honour of killed aid workers
Dubai Humanitarian on Tuesday convened a community gathering alongside some UN offices to honour the "sacrifices of humanitarian workers" and to reaffirm that aid workers must never be a target, as the globe marked World Humanitarian Day. The gathering served as a moment of collective reflection on the "courage of those who serve on the frontlines of crises, while also underscoring the growing need for global solidarity and principled humanitarian action." Bérangère Boëll, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE, said: 'On this World Humanitarian Day, we honour those we have lost and the courage of those who continue to serve. But remembrance must be matched by resolve, to protect civilians, to defend international humanitarian law, and to ensure that aid is never blocked, never politicised, and never forgotten.' Rashed Alhemeri, Executive Director of Operations at UAE Aid, said, 'The humanitarian aid is in the DNA of the UAE and the guidance and directives of our leaders have pushed the UAE's global humanitarian response to higher levels. The UAE allocated 40 per cent of its total foreign assistance during the last two years to the humanitarian response." In the closing remarks, Sajeda Shawa, Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) UAE Office, said, 'Today, after more than two decades since the horrific explosion in 2003 (referring to a truck bomb in front of UN offices in Baghdad that killed 22 people), the dangers have only grown. In 2024 alone, 383 humanitarian workers were killed – the highest number ever recorded. This year, we are already counting devastating losses. "We face unprecedented challenges - 300 million people are in urgent need of assistance this year, yet humanitarian operations are only 18 per cent funded. Millions will go without food, medicine, or protection. These are the steepest cuts we have ever faced – and the cost will be measured in lives. That is why OCHA's Humanitarian Reset is about more than reform, it is about renewal. We are putting people, not systems, at the center. We are shifting power to local communities. We are cutting through inefficiency. We are recommitting to the essence of humanitarianism: protecting life with dignity,' Shawa added. World Humanitarian Day, observed every year on 19th August, was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008. The day commemorates the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, honours the sacrifices of humanitarian workers, and underscores the importance of protecting civilians and those serving in humanitarian settings
