DIHAD 2026 to Draw More Than 21,000 Participants From 165 Countries
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DUBAI, August 18 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — More than 21,000 participants, delegates and visitors from over 165 countries are expected in Dubai for the 22nd Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference & Exhibition – DIHAD 2026.
The event will run from August 24 to 26 at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme “Humanitarianism in Transition: Shaping the Future of Humanitarian Action.”
Government authorities, United Nations agencies, Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations, NGOs, research institutions, foundations, financial institutions, development banks, private-sector representatives and media organizations will be among the participants.
More than 1,000 entities and partners will take part, while over 320 humanitarian speakers will contribute to more than 260 sessions and workshops. The event will also bring together more than 180 buyers from UN agencies, foundations and charitable organizations.
Amb. Prof. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Organisation, Chairman of DISAB and Roving Ambassador of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean for the GCC Region, said: “DIHAD 2026 comes at a defining moment for the humanitarian sector, as profound changes are reshaping the way we collaborate, respond to crises and develop solutions capable of creating lasting impact. Since its inception, DIHAD has been guided by the belief that humanitarian action knows no borders, and that our greatest impact comes when expertise, resources and collective will come together around a shared purpose. Today, with more than 21,000 participants from over 165 countries, more than 1,000 participating entities and partners, and over 320 leading humanitarian speakers, DIHAD continues to strengthen its position as a global platform where ideas, expertise and partnerships come together to shape a more responsive, resilient and sustainable future for humanitarian action.”
The conference programme is divided into three connected themes.
The first day, “Understanding the Transition: Drivers of Change in Humanitarianism,” will examine global developments and emerging challenges affecting humanitarian action.
Day two, “Leading the Change: Shaping the Future of Humanitarian Practices,” will cover leadership, innovation, partnerships and more adaptive practices.
The final day, “Delivering Impact: Operationalising the Future of Humanitarian Action,” will address implementation, operational effectiveness and measurable outcomes.
Arwa Damon, Five-time Emmy Award-winning Journalist and Founder of INARA, said: “Looking forward to engaging and open conversations among the diverse attendees that DIHAD attracts.”
Specialized events will run alongside the main conference. DIHAD Sustainable Organisation and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will organize the First Aid World Cup Finals and Awards Ceremony, bringing together teams to demonstrate first-aid and emergency-response skills.
DIHAD 2026 will also host the first IFRC-DREF GCC Conference, focused on disaster preparedness and anticipatory humanitarian financing. High-level roundtables and strategic meetings will be held during the event, which will culminate in the Humanthropy Awards.
UAE Aid Agency will serve as Official Partner of DIHAD 2026.
The agency said: “The UAE Aid Agency is honoured to participate as an Official Partner at DIHAD. We hope to learn from and contribute to discussions on global humanitarianism, and to showcase our work in making the world a better place for communities at the receiving end of calamities and conflicts.”
The Kingdom of Denmark will participate as Country Guest of Honour, with its programme covering expertise in health, technology and humanitarian innovation.
Danish Industry said: “Denmark is honoured to be Country Guest of Honour at DIHAD 2026. We look forward to presenting Danish expertise in health, technology, and humanitarian innovation, while building new partnerships that contribute to more effective and sustainable aid efforts worldwide.”
AlMadani said: “The participation of the Kingdom of Denmark as Country Guest of Honour, alongside the official partnership with UAE Aid Agency and the strong presence of the United Nations, the Red Cross and Red Crescent and international humanitarian organisations, reflects the very essence of DIHAD. The humanitarian challenges of our time cannot be addressed by one organisation or one country alone. They require genuine partnerships that transcend borders, transform dialogue into action, knowledge into solutions and commitments into tangible impact for communities around the world.”
The DIHAD 2026 exhibition will cover 11,796 square metres and will include official national and institutional pavilions. UAE Aid Agency will operate the largest local stand, while the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will have the largest international stand.
The event will be held alongside the 17th International Emergency and Catastrophe Management Conference and Exhibition – IECM, which covers emergency and disaster management, research, rescue operations, technologies, equipment and services.
DIHAD is organized annually by INDEX Conference and Exhibitions Org, a member of INDEX Holding. The event is officially supported by UAE Aid Agency, the United Nations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, Dubai Future Council on Humanitarian Aid, Emirates Red Crescent and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable Est.
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and Dubai Charity Association are the event’s Platinum Sponsors.
Source: WAM
