2 days ago
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.'
