Dubai: Dubai hosted a series of high-level strategic meetings and dialogues, bringing together humanitarian leaders, experts, representatives of international organisations, and key stakeholders as part of preparations for the 22nd edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD 2026). The discussions focused on the most pressing humanitarian challenges and explored the future of humanitarian action.
According to Emirates News Agency, these meetings come at a time when the global humanitarian system is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by multiple crises, conflicts, climate-related disasters, economic challenges, and rising levels of displacement, alongside widening funding gaps and growing challenges in reaching affected communities. These developments further underscore the need to adopt modern approaches to coordination, financing, and aid delivery that can keep pace with changing realities and enhance the efficiency of humanitarian response.
As part of preparations for the 22nd edition of DIHAD 2026, the Executive Humanitarian Programme was launched today in collaboration between DIHAD Sustainable Organisation and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) UAE, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the theme: The programme provides a strategic platform bringing together senior leaders and decision-makers in the humanitarian sector to examine emerging humanitarian challenges, exchange perspectives, align viewpoints and priorities, and contribute to the discussions leading up to DIHAD 2026. It also seeks to support the development of more effective approaches to addressing the rapid transformations taking place across the global humanitarian sector.
The Executive Humanitarian Programme examines the structural shifts shaping the humanitarian system, including growing global humanitarian pressures, the evolving role of states and humanitarian diplomacy, the impact of donor and partner policies on operational realities, as well as the growing role of the private sector, philanthropy, and innovation. The programme also explores the implications of artificial intelligence and data governance for humanitarian action, while examining opportunities to develop more proactive, inclusive, and sustainable approaches to humanitarian response.
Eng. Khaled Al Attar, Director General of DIHAD Sustainable Organisation, emphasized the importance of moving beyond traditional response models towards more proactive, collaborative, and sustainable approaches. He noted the significance of uniting efforts, strengthening cross-border partnerships, and harnessing innovation and technology to develop solutions that address the root causes of crises and strengthen community resilience.
In parallel with the Executive Humanitarian Programme, the DIHAD International Scientific Advisory Board (DISAB) also held its annual meeting at the Dubai World Trade Centre, chaired by Amb. Prof. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Organisation and DISAB. The meeting brought together members of DISAB and senior representatives from leading international, governmental, humanitarian, and academic institutions to discuss strategic directions and scientific priorities for DIHAD 2026.
The meeting highlighted the diversity and representation of the DIHAD 2026 speaker programme, achieving a near-equal gender balance and a broad geographical representation. It also focused on the strengthened role of the United Arab Emirates as a global hub for humanitarian dialogue and action.
These high-level meetings and programmes provide an important platform for humanitarian leaders, experts, governments, international organizations, donors, private-sector representatives, and innovation partners to exchange knowledge, anticipate emerging challenges, and explore practical pathways towards more effective humanitarian response. Through these strategic engagements ahead of DIHAD, the conference continues to strengthen its position as a global platform for humanitarian dialogue and international cooperation, laying the foundations for deeper discussions during DIHAD 2026.
The 22nd edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD 2026) will officially open tomorrow. Organised by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions Org., a member of INDEX Holding, DIHAD serves as a strategic meeting point bringing together senior government officials, diplomats, and humanitarian leaders from around the world. It provides a platform for advancing international dialogue, strengthening multilateral partnerships, and launching pioneering initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable development and effective humanitarian action.
The event reflects the leading role of the United Arab Emirates in advancing international solidarity and setting a global model for humanitarian action, further reinforcing the country's position as an international hub that brings together governments, international organizations, humanitarian entities, and the private sector to develop effective and sustainable responses to contemporary humanitarian challenges.