Dubai is preparing to host the 22nd edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD 2026) at Dubai World Trade Centre from 24th to 26th August 2026.
Held under the theme “Humanitarianism in Transition: Shaping the Future of Humanitarian Action,” the event is expected to welcome more than 21,000 participants, delegates and attendees from over 165 countries. More than 1,000 organisations and partners will participate, alongside over 320 humanitarian speakers across more than 260 sessions and workshops.
DIHAD 2026 will focus on how the humanitarian sector can respond to increasingly complex crises and changing global needs through stronger collaboration, innovation and new approaches to aid delivery. The three-day programme will cover the forces driving change in humanitarianism, leadership and future practices, and ways to turn commitments into measurable results.
The UAE Aid Agency has been named the Official Partner of this year’s edition, while Denmark will participate as the Country Guest of Honour, sharing its expertise in health, technology and humanitarian innovation.
The event will also feature more than 180 buyers from UN agencies, foundations and charitable organisations, supporting opportunities for partnerships and knowledge exchange.
Special events include the First Aid World Cup Finals and Awards Ceremony, the first IFRC–DREF GCC Conference, high-level roundtables and the Humanthropy Awards. DIHAD 2026 will also be held alongside the 17th International Emergency and Catastrophe Management Conference and Exhibition, which focuses on emergency preparedness, disaster management and rescue operations.
The exhibition will span 11,796 square metres and feature pavilions representing several countries and international organisations, providing a platform to showcase humanitarian initiatives, technologies and practical solutions for aid and emergency response.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
