DIHAD 2026 is complemented by a series of aligned side events that extend the dialogue and impact across emergency response, education, and life-saving preparedness.

The IECM is a global platform dedicated to advancing emergency preparedness, disaster response, and resilience. It brings together emergency response authorities, humanitarian organizations, search and rescue teams, policymakers, and solution providers from around the world.

IECM Event Activities:

  • IECM Exhibition: 24 – 26 August 2026 | Dubai World Trade Centre
    Showcasing advanced technologies, equipment, and solutions for emergency and disaster management.
  • IECM Conference: 26 August 2026 | Dubai World Trade Centre
    High-level discussions and expert-led sessions addressing emerging risks, crisis coordination, health emergencies, and climate-related disasters.
  • IECM Nexus Arena: 24 – 26 August 2026 | Dubai World Trade Centre
    Innovation showcases, strategic presentations, and interactive sessions exploring the future of emergency management.
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Co-organized by the DIHAD Sustainable Organisation and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the First Aid World Cup (FAWC) 2026 is a global competition dedicated to advancing first aid and resuscitation through innovation, emergency response, public awareness, and capacity building.

FAWC Event Activities:

  • FAWC Competition: December 2025 – March 2026
  • FAWC Finalists Presentation: 24 August 2026 | Dubai World Trade Centre
  • FAWC Finals and Awarding Ceremony: 25 August 2026 | Dubai World Trade Centre
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The DIHAD Humanthropy Awards recognize exceptional individuals and organizations whose compassion, innovation, and commitment have created meaningful humanitarian and philanthropic impact. The Awards highlight outstanding contributions that alleviate human suffering, strengthen communities, and inspire greater collaboration toward a more compassionate and equitable world.

  • Humanthropy Awards Ceremony: 25 August 2026 | Dubai World Trade Centre
    A distinguished awards ceremony honoring outstanding humanitarian leaders, philanthropists, organizations, and changemakers whose dedication, resilience, and innovative contributions have advanced humanitarian action and delivered lasting positive impact across communities worldwide.
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Acting Before Crises: Financing the World’s Fastest Humanitarian Response

The IFRC and DIHAD Sustainable Organisation will convene a high-level dialogue on the future of humanitarian financing, spotlighting IFRC-DREF as a rapid, flexible, and anticipatory financing mechanism that empowers National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to act early, respond swiftly, and save lives.

The session will bring together leaders from government, business, philanthropy, and the humanitarian sector to explore how flexible financing can enable locally led action, strengthen community resilience, and mobilise new partnerships for life-saving humanitarian response.

Location: DIHAD Agenda 44 Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre
Date: 25 August 2026
Time: 15:30 – 17:00 GST

Attendance at the IFRC-DREF GCC Conference is complimentary for all DIHAD 2026 Event attendees and participants

A groundbreaking platform where education leaders, policymakers, and innovators unite to shape the future of learning. Happening in conjunction with DIHAD 2026, the World’s Leading Humanitarian Aid and Development Event, GESD aims to drive impactful change by addressing educational challenges, fostering inclusivity, and integrating cutting-edge technology into learning ecosystems.

Location: Nexus Arena, Dubai World Trade Centre
Date: 26 August 2026
Time: 12:30 – 13:30 GST

Attendance at the Global Education Summit for Development (GESD) is complimentary for all DIHAD 2026 Event attendees and participants

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The DIHAD High-Level Roundtable Discussion Meetings are held during DIHAD 2026 Event and hosted by DIHAD Sustainable Organisation providing organizations with an exclusive platform to convene and co-host high-level, focused discussions. The meetings provide an opportunity to engage in meaningful, outcome-oriented dialogue, exchange insights, and discuss pressing humanitarian challenges, emerging trends, and opportunities shaping the future of humanitarian action with topics aligned with the overarching event theme, “Humanitarianism in Transition: Shaping the Future of Humanitarian Action.” 

Attendance at the roundtables is by invitation only.