Dubai Set to Bring Global Humanitarian Community Together to Shape Future of Humanitarian Action
Dubai is preparing to welcome thousands of humanitarian leaders, policymakers, experts, organizations, and partners from across the globe to the World’s Leading Event on Humanitarian Aid & Development where the international humanitarian community will come together to shape a defining conversation on the future of humanitarian action.
Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 24th to 26th August 2026, DIHAD 2026 is expected to bring together more than 21,000 participants, delegates, and visitors from over 165 countries, representing:
- Government Authorities
- United Nations Agencies
- Red Cross and Red Crescent
- International and Regional Organizations
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Academic and Research Institutions
- Private Sector
- Foundations and Philanthropic Organizations
- Financial Institutions and Development Banks
- Media
Held under the theme "Humanitarianism in Transition: Shaping the Future of Humanitarian Action," this edition comes at a critical moment for the humanitarian sector, as increasingly complex crises, evolving global needs, and rapidly changing operating environments call for new approaches to collaboration, innovation, and response.
In response to these evolving humanitarian realities, DIHAD 2026 will provide a global platform for the humanitarian community to:
- Examine the forces reshaping the sector
- Explore new models of partnership and leadership
- Identify practical pathways for turning dialogue and knowledge into meaningful and sustainable impact
The scale and diversity of participation at DIHAD 2026 reflect the event’s growing role as a meeting point for the international humanitarian community.
More than 1,000 participating entities and partners from around the world will come together at DIHAD 2026, alongside more than 320 renowned humanitarian speakers contributing across 260+ key sessions and workshops. The program will bring together leading voices to discuss:
- Evolving humanitarian needs
- Emerging challenges
- Priorities shaping the future of humanitarian action
The event will also welcome more than 180 buyers from leading UN agencies, foundations, and charitable organizations, creating opportunities for:
- Meaningful engagement
- Knowledge exchange
- Strategic partnerships
- Exploration of solutions designed to support humanitarian operations
Further strengthening the collaborative foundation of this year’s edition, UAE Aid Agency has been announced as the Official Partner of DIHAD 2026, reflecting a shared commitment to bringing the global humanitarian community together.
