13th edition of Dubai International Humanitarian and Development Conference and Exhibition comes to an end

The 13th edition of Dubai International Humanitarian and Development Conference and Exhibition, DIHAD, concluded its three days activities today at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Prominent names of Arab and international humanitarian executives and decision makers attended DIHAD this year and were pleased with the conclusions and agreements that were brought up during this three days conference and exhibition.

During her visit to Dubai to attend DIHAD Conference and Exhibition, Joanna Wronecka, Under-Secretary of State for Development Cooperation, Africa and the Middle East of Poland met with Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman of DIHAD and DISAB. During the meeting, she praised the event and was delighted by the excellent organisation. She also expressed her gratitude for the invitation to attend DIHAD and was impressed by the outstanding facilities and infrastructure that Dubai provides.

Joanna Wronecka illustrated the amount of contribution and aid that the Polish government provides for the people who need it in the Middle East and Africa Region. She was also keen on building bridges between the NGOs and humanitarian organisations in the UAE and Poland for the benefit of the countries and nations who suffered or still suffering from wars, catastrophes and crisis. "I think that the UAE can be our key gate to do more humanitarian work in the Middle East due to its perfect location and good relationships with the Middle East countries. We are also looking forward for exchanging expertise between polish and UAE’s NGOs where they can learn from each other and add value to the humanitarian industry," she said.

From his side, Dr. Al Madani welcomed this initiative, he also said: "I am certain that all the local and regional organisations participating in DIHAD will be willing to cooperate with the Polish initiative for the benefit of people in need. Every year, we feel grateful when we see the outcome of our hard work, DIHAD succeeds every year in adding more benefit and value to the humanitarian field, and we are also thankful for the interest shown by the Polish government for building a better future and more development for those who are suffering from crisis, wars and catastrophes."

Commenting on their participation, the Consultant at the Royal Court, Supervisor-general of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid & Relief Centre, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabiah, said: "We are keen to participate in DIHAD, because of its international importance in the relief field. We want to show the work of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid & Relief Centre, and to benefit from the expertise and experience of the international participants and organizations, especially that the center was established since ten months only."

From his side, Rami Suleiman, Vice President of UPS for the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East and Africa region said: "To better tap the many capabilities of our worldwide networks, we increased our humanitarian program by 40% worldwide this year,"

He added: "A combination of grants and in-kind services will go to more than 30 NGOs, non-profit organizations and United Nations agencies for a total of $14 million, and I am pleased to say that UPS is committed to the UAE. One year on, we already see concrete benefits after having signed a crucial Memorandum of Understanding with IHC. The delivery of aid to Nepal in April 2015, which took off from UAE is a perfect example."

Nabil Ben Soussia, Managing Director of IEC Telecom UAE, commented about their participation in DIHAD saying: "When dealing with a crisis, humanitarian organizations usually face a breakdown of conventional communications networks which can severely restrict fast and effective delivery of aid into the field. This essential connectivity allows frontline staff rapidly and efficiently co-ordinate first response to disasters or emergency situations. With our telecommunications systems, aid agencies can consolidate their relief efforts over time, set up temporary offices using semi-fixed modems such as Yahsat’s YahClick range of satellite broadband solutions, Thuraya IP+ and access corporate applications, manage logistics or even use low bandwidth videoconferencing solutions."

DIHAD is organized by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions - member of INDEX Holding and supported by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Est, the United Nations, the UAE Red Crescent Authority, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, International Humanitarian City, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai and Dubai Cares. DIHAD 2016 is also sponsored by Al Khair Foundation and IQRA TV.