dnata, one of the world’s largest air services providers, has donated three pieces of cargo handling equipment to Dubai-based International Humanitarian City (IHC), the largest humanitarian hub in the world, to support the organisation in facilitating rapid relief and first responses to crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, at a global level.
dnata has donated a cargo towing tractor and two 10ft pallet trollies to the IHC. The equipment will be deployed at IHC’s Dubai warehouses, enabling efficient handling of emergency relief material, including personal protective equipment and medical supplies.
IHC was founded in 2003 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It is the largest humanitarian hub in the world and the only Non-Profit Free Zone Authority, hosting approximately 80 members between humanitarian organisations and commercial companies. IHC’s strategic location in Dubai allows relief to be rapidly deployed to reach two thirds of the world population.
Steve Allen, Divisional Senior Vice President, UAE Airport Operations and Travel, dnata, said: “We are delighted to contribute to the International Humanitarian City’s global relief efforts amid these challenging times. We hope that our donation will help IHC and its partners deliver on their goals and make a positive difference to the lives of those in need. With our dedicated global team, we stay committed to taking meaningful initiatives to support the communities around us.”
Giuseppe Saba, CEO of the International Humanitarian City, said: “The International Humanitarian City is grateful for dnata’s handling equipment donation. They will be instrumental for moving humanitarian aid within our warehouse compound. The donated equipment will complement our brand-new kitting centre, which enables the front-line World Health Organization in combatting the COVID-19 in consolidating medical kits. Other organisations will benefit in preparing personalised kits in response to humanitarian crises around the world. We welcome dnata’s donation and we appreciate such generosity on behalf of the humanitarian community.”
dnata is committed to making a meaningful impact on international humanitarian efforts. In 2014 the company launched its global corporate social responsibility programme, dnata4good, an employee-led initiative that aims to provide accessible education and humanitarian assistance in crisis situations and preserve wildlife and nature. Employees are encouraged to participate through fundraising, donations and front-line volunteering.
Over the past six years, dnata employees have donated, volunteered and raised funds to support local communities and relevant charities who meet the criteria of transparency, accountability, respect and local legislation. Among various initiatives, dnata employees have raised funds to build eight schools for children in impoverished areas, giving them a vital chance to break the cycle of poverty through education.
dnata has been offering quality and reliable air services for over 60 years in the UAE. In 2019, the company’s customer-oriented employees assisted over 85 million passengers and moved 700,000 tonnes of cargo in the country.