Event Overview
The World’s Leading Event on Humanitarian Aid and Development
The Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD) is the World’s leading platform dedicated to humanitarian aid and sustainable development.
Established in 2004 as the Middle East’s first humanitarian-focused event, DIHAD has evolved into a globally recognized meeting point for humanitarian leaders, decision-makers, and practitioners committed to driving positive change.
Held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre, DIHAD connects the global humanitarian ecosystem: facilitating dialogue, partnerships, and solutions that respond to today’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.
The Meeting Point of Pharma
For over 30 years, DUPHAT has grown alongside the pharmaceutical industry, becoming the region’s leading annual gathering for the entire supply chain. Committed to providing a complete solution, it uniquely unites every link of the value chain — from raw material suppliers to manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacy networks.
As the hub where global companies present their latest products, pharmacists expand their knowledge, and stakeholders connect across research, manufacturing, distribution, and retail, DUPHAT has consistently enabled the advancement of the pharmaceutical sector across the Middle East and North Africa.
A Gateway to the Pharmaceutical
Industry
A Platform That Connects the Humanitarian World
DIHAD brings together key stakeholders from across sectors, including:
United Nations Agencies
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
International and Local NGOs and Civil Society Organizations
Government Authorities and Public Institutions
European Union Institutions and Member States
Donors and Funding Organizations
Foundations and Charities
Academic and Research Institutions
Private Sector Companies
Media Organizations
This diverse participation enables collaboration, innovation, and coordinated action to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian and development efforts worldwide.
Theme-Led. Future-Focused.
Each edition of DIHAD is guided by a dedicated annual theme, ensuring focused dialogue that reflects evolving global humanitarian and development priorities. These themes shape the conference agenda, inspire collaboration, and drive forward-looking solutions across the humanitarian landscape.
2026 Edition Theme
Humanitarianism in Transition: Shaping the Future of Humanitarian Action
2025 Edition Theme
Humanitarian Aid and Development in a Polarised World
2024 Edition Theme
DIHAD 2004–2024: Humanitarian Diplomacy and a Journey to the Future
The DIHAD Conference Programme is developed by the DIHAD International Scientific Advisory Board (DISAB), a panel of internationally recognized humanitarian experts and decision-makers, ensuring high-quality, relevant, and impactful content.
Previous editions have been graced by the presence of distinguished global leaders
H.E. Antonio
Guterres
Secretary-General of the United Nations
H.E. Kate
Forbes
President, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
H.E. Ahmed Bin Ali
Al Sayegh
Minister of Health and Prevention, United Arab Emirates
H.E. Amb. Patricia
Danzi
Director-General, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
H.E. Jan
Egeland
Secretary-General, Norwegian Refugee Council
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Director-General, World Health Organization
H.E. Helle Thorning-Schmidt
then CEO, Save the Children International and former Prime Minister of Denmark
H.E. Pierre
Krähenbühl
Director-General, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
H.E. Helen
Clark
then Head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
H.E. Dr. Janez
Lenarčič
then European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management
H.E. Baroness
Valerie Amos
then UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator
H.E. Filippo
Grandi
then Commissioner-General of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
H.E. Mr. Antonio
Vitorino
Director General of IOM, the United Nations Migration Agency
H.E. Ertharin
Cousin
Ambassador and then Executive Director of United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)
Ms. Arwa
Damon
Five-time Emmy Award-winning Journalist and Founder of INARA
Mr. Bob
Geldof
Humanitarian Activist and Philanthropist who organized the Live Aid concert 1985
The event is supported by
DIHAD is more than an event – it is a catalyst for humanitarian collaboration and global impact.
