Index Conferences and Exhibitions Organization Est. – a member of Index Holding – announced the launch of the 7th edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development conference and exhibition (DIHAD 2010).

International Humanitarian City (IHC), the global humanitarian hub created by the Government of Dubai under the Directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and chaired by HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, voiced its support for this humanitarian gathering – the largest of its kind in the region.

The event is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and will get underway from the 4th until the 6th of April 2010 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The announcement came during a press conference presided by Mr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman of Index Conference & Exhibition and President of Index Holding, Mr. Mohammed Zarouni, Director of the UAE Red Crescent Authority and Ms. Makiya Al Hajiri, CEO of IHC.

The theme of DIHAD for 2010 is “Global Health Challenges of Tomorrow; Impact & Response” and focuses on the health problems that occur during humanitarian challenges as well ongoing challenges such as Food Crisis and Global Warming. The 3 day event will include six major sessions, tackling such issues.

IHC will have a prominent presence this year, both at the exhibition and the conference. This year, IHC is a member of the DIHAD International Supreme Council (DISC) – an advisory board of professionals who work in the humanitarian industry. They are leaders in their fields, helping to enhance knowledge about the field, particularly in the Middle East.

IHC will also be speaking at the DIHAD conference, in its role as the facilitator of humanitarian operations in Dubai. The IHC stand, one of the biggest at the exhibition since 2007, will again be at the centre of the conference.

This year, the platinum sponsorship provided by IHC will ensure that that it reaches out effectively to key decision makers, VIPs, UN agencies and all those interested in the humanitarian sector in the UAE.

Ms. Makiya Al Hajiri said, “The objectives and vision of DIHAD coincide with those of IHC, with an ultimate goal to make Dubai and the UAE the bridge that links “East” and “West” and provide humanitarian actors with a place to network, learn and operate from. Our sponsorship for the event is recognition of DIHAD’s role in promoting humanitarian efforts.”

“We believe that the collaboration between the two key organizations in the field of humanity is a progress by itself. Both DIHAD and IHC will be able to provide a foundation for exchange of knowledge and experience among key humanitarian stakeholders, provide operational support and supply services related to the humanitarian assistance domain and above all capitalize on the unique and strategic location that Dubai offers which allows a quicker response rate to disaster particular locations”. Stated Makiya

Makiya also said; “we look forward to our participation in DIHAD 2010 and we are definite that we are going to meet and network with local, regional and international humanitarian organizations to create awareness about the resources available in Dubai, and attract new members to set up operations within IHC. We also hope to take advantage of the new trends and information that will be presented at the conference and exhibition”.

In addition, DIHAD 2010 will organise workshops and master classes before and during the conference, and will host top humanitarian leaders from the UN and other humanitarian and relief organisations that will share their expertise and present the lessons learnt through their experience.