DATE
August 24-26, 2026
INDUSTRY
Humanitarian
LOCATION
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
VENUE
Dubai International Convention Exhibition Centre
WEBSITE
Event Overview
Event Name
Event Dates
Venue
Organizer
Official Patron
Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD 2026)
August 24-26, 2026
Dubai International Convention Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE
INDEX Conferences & Exhibitions Org. (a member of INDEX Holding)
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum — Vice-President & Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Dubai
Event & Market Highlights
World’s Largest & Most Authoritative Humanitarian Event
22 years of growth since 2004. 160+ countries, 20,000+ attendees. The apex global platform where UN agencies, governments, NGOs, and the private sector converge. The only comprehensive platform that leads the global humanitarian response agenda.
Direct UAE Leadership Patronage & Dubai’s Strategic Position
Directly patronised by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Aligned with Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, affirming Dubai as a global humanitarian hub. Dubai Humanitarian is officially designated as the Middle East’s largest humanitarian logistics and innovation hub.
Structured B2B Matching — UN Agency & Foundation Buyers
158 official buyers from UN agencies, foundations, and charities participate directly. 1,496+ networking and B2B meetings completed (2025 result). Pre-arranged meeting system enables real contract negotiations between suppliers and buyers.
World’s Premier Humanitarian Scientific Conference
205+ globally renowned speakers, 64 main sessions, 197 innovation workshops (2025 results). Senior UN officials, government ministers, and leading humanitarian experts convene on DIHAD’s stage — the highest-authority humanitarian knowledge platform on earth.
Humanitarian Technology Innovation & Solutions Exhibition
Emergency relief equipment, mobile hospitals, temporary housing, water purification, food supply systems, logistics, telecoms & IT, agricultural tools, pharmaceuticals, and disaster warning systems — the full spectrum of humanitarian innovation on display.
Dubai — Global Humanitarian Logistics Hub
Dubai’s geographic position (crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe) combined with its world-class logistics and aviation infrastructure makes it the optimal global humanitarian hub. Dubai Humanitarian operates a real-time Humanitarian Logistics Databank for global stockpile visibility.
Key Highlights
- Theme: “Humanitarian Aid and Development in a Polarised World” — addressing growing global divisions and their impact on aid delivery
- Dubai Humanitarian Pavilion — 35+ expert speakers, 10+ sessions. CEO Giuseppe Saba: “At a time of complex global crises, business as usual is no longer enough.” Launch of the Humanitarian Logistics Databank — a real-time stockpile visibility platform
- H.E. Ugochi Daniels, Deputy DG Operations, IOM — stated that DIHAD has become a key event for the humanitarian and development community; highlighted the rising toll of conflict, climate, and economic crises
- H.E. Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General, Emirates Red Crescent — announced ERC budget of USD 156M assisting 134 million people across 134 countries
- DIHAD 2044 Strategic Agenda announced — five pillars: Sustainability, Empowerment, Partnership, Education, and Innovation
- 10 Country & Institution Pavilions — including the Swiss Pavilion and Dubai Humanitarian Pavilion
- Record B2B Meetings — 1,496 networking and business meetings between humanitarian suppliers and verified buyers from UN agencies, foundations, and charities
2025 Event Results
2025 Event Highlights
Business Hub Features by Exhibition Segment
International Humanitarian Conference
The world’s most authoritative humanitarian policy conference. 205+ globally renowned speakers across 64 main sessions address the most pressing global crises and solutions. Full spectrum of humanitarian issues: conflict, climate, migration, food security, and more.
Innovation Workshops
197 specialist workshops (2025 result). Hands-on programs for emergency response, disaster management, technology innovation, and humanitarian capacity building. Practitioners gain directly applicable skills for real-world humanitarian work.
Humanitarian Innovation Exhibition
1,078 participating entities and partners across 11,796 m² of exhibition space. The latest technologies, products, and services covering the full humanitarian spectrum — from emergency relief to long-term development. 10 country and institution pavilions.
B2B Matching & Buyer Program
158 official buyers with confirmed purchasing authority from UN agencies, foundations, and charities. Pre-arranged meeting system delivering up to 1,496 networking and B2B meetings. Direct commercial matching between humanitarian suppliers and procurement-authorised buyers.
Country & Institution Pavilions
10 country and institution pavilions (2025 result). Switzerland, UAE (Dubai Humanitarian), and other leading aid donor countries/organisations operate official pavilions, presenting their humanitarian innovation solutions and policies to the global community.
Side Events & Networking
A range of side events and networking opportunities beyond the official programme. Gala events, bilateral meetings, private high-level sessions, and partnership agreement signings — a multi-layered diplomatic platform for deeper collaboration.
What is DIHAD Partnership Hub?
The DIHAD Partnership Hub “Match & Meet Program” facilitates meaningful connections between international NGOs, government entities, charities, agencies, and foundations with suppliers of products and services in the humanitarian aid and development sector.
Please note that the Partnership Hub is not intended for soliciting donations or funding but rather serves as a platform for commercial partnerships, business engagements, and procurement opportunities.
