DIHAD 2025 is expected to welcome 18,000 participants from 160 countries

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the 21st edition of the annual Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD 2025) is set to kick off on April, 29 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

For over two decades, DIHAD has been a catalyst for change, transforming challenges into opportunities, fostering innovation, and inspiring the next generation of humanitarian leaders.

Under the theme “Humanitarian Aid and Development in a Polarised World”, this year’s international event will bring together global humanitarian leaders, policymakers, and organisations to exchange insights, forge new partnerships, and develop sustainable solutions that drive real impact.

DIHAD 2025 is expected to welcome over 18,000 participants from more than 160 countries, representing international NGOs, charitable foundations, aid and development organisations, and government entities. Switzerland has been named the Country Guest of Honour, in recognition of its long-standing and impactful contributions to global humanitarian efforts.

The event will also feature pavilions from countries including Norway, Denmark, Zambia, Poland, Switzerland, Qatar, China, and Kuwait, as well as dedicated areas for the United Nations and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement —reflecting the event’s global scope and its role as a hub for international cooperation.

This year, DIHAD Conference will focus on several critical issues shaping the future of humanitarian aid, including the evolving principles of humanitarian action in conflict zones, changes in funding models, the convergence of development and humanitarian efforts, globalization and localisation, the exponential impact of climate change, and the challenges associated with population displacement. A key session will also explore the Impact on Humanitarian Aid and Development of the Pact for the Future.

The event will present the DIHAD Government Hub, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect with key decision-makers from governments and high-level officials attending DIHAD 2025.

Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation and Chairman of DISAB Roving Ambassador of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) for the GCC Region, stated, “DIHAD continues to bring together humanitarian actors from across the world to facilitate impactful dialogue and foster practical partnerships. Public-private collaboration is no longer optional in humanitarian work; it is essential. The magnitude and complexity of today’s crises exceed the capacity of any single entity. Only through strategic partnerships can we scale solutions, enhance efficiency, and accelerate aid delivery. The future of humanitarian action lies in building bridges—not only between nations but also across sectors. Together, we can co-create a future where humanitarian work is not only reactive but also transformational, inclusive, and sustainable.” Amb. Gerhard Putman-Cramer, CEO of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation and Director of DISAB; Ambassador, Permanent Delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva added, “DIHAD this year will address the growing challenges faced by humanitarian aid and development actors in an increasingly divided global landscape. DIHAD 2025 aims to identify actionable solutions and best practices to enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid and development assistance, in what are increasingly difficult as well as hazardous conditions”.

DIHAD 2025 will host a distinguished group of globally renowned leaders and experts, including Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General for Operations at the International Organisation for Migration; and Ambassador Patricia Danzi, Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

The conference will also include remarks from Panos Moumtzis, Executive Director of the Global Executive Leadership Initiative and former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, as well as Mari Kiviniemi, former Prime Minister of Finland and current Chair of the Board at the University of Vaasa. Additional contributions will come from Ms. Arwa Damon, five-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and founder of INARA; Fati N’Zi-Hassane, Director of Oxfam Africa; and Michela Matuella, Director at the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.

This year’s edition is held in conjunction with the 16th edition of The International Emergency and Catastrophe Management (IECM), providing a platform for the emergency, disaster management, and search and rescue communities to showcase their equipment, technology, and services during emergencies.

DIHAD offers a platform for assistance providers to engage with relevant corporate and governmental stakeholders, fostering impactful collaborations to aid those in need. This year’s edition is held in conjunction with the 16th edition of the, which provides a platform for the emergency, disaster management, and search and rescue communities to showcase their equipment, technology, and services during emergencies to a relevant audience.

DIHAD Conference and Exhibition is organised annually by INDEX Conference and Exhibitions Org a member of INDEX Holding, and is proudly supported by the UAE Aid Agency, United Nations, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, The Dubai Future Council on Humanitarian Aid, UAE Red Crescent Authority, Dubai Humanitarian, and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment. It is sponsored by DP World Foundation, Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), Dubai Charity Association, Amazon Web Services (AWS), IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, and Al Khair Foundation.