Dubai Humanitarian Marks World Humanitarian Day with UN OCHA and Partners

Dubai Humanitarian (DXBH) marked World Humanitarian Day 2026 by bringing together representatives from the humanitarian community, United Nations agencies, international organisations and other stakeholders to recognise humanitarian workers and reaffirm the importance of global solidarity during crises.

The gathering was held at ARTE Museum Dubai and organised in collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) and the UN Resident Coordinator Office in the UAE. The event provided a platform for humanitarian leaders and practitioners to reflect on the collective efforts involved in delivering life-saving assistance to communities affected by conflict, disasters and displacement.

Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, said humanitarian action is driven by courage, resilience and compassion, highlighting the work of people who continue to support affected communities despite significant personal risks.

The programme included a video message from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, followed by a panel discussion titled “In Their Footsteps: The People Behind Humanitarian Action.” The discussion was moderated by Sajeda Shawa, Head of the UN OCHA UAE Office.

Panel members included Dr. Sama Al-Shawi, Legal Advisor at the International Committee of the Red Cross; Ibrahim AlBaloshi, Director of Sustainability and Partnerships at Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives; Bashar Al Hammami, Head of Office – Partnerships at the UN World Food Programme in the UAE; and Dana Alhanbali, Founder of Bark & Berg, writer and podcast host.

The discussion examined the challenges faced by humanitarian workers, the importance of cooperation between organisations and the resilience required to deliver assistance during increasingly complex emergencies. Participants also explored how artists, writers and storytellers can contribute to humanitarian narratives and draw greater attention to the experiences of people affected by crises.

Sajeda Shawa said World Humanitarian Day provides an opportunity to recognise the commitment and courage of humanitarian workers while remembering colleagues who have lost their lives in the course of their work.

H.E. Bérangère Boëll, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE, also highlighted the courage and resilience of humanitarian workers, describing these qualities as essential to sustaining the humanitarian system.

Following the panel, guests experienced the ARTE Experience, which provided an opportunity for networking and dialogue while demonstrating how art and immersive storytelling can encourage empathy and deepen understanding of humanitarian issues.

Observed annually on August 19, World Humanitarian Day honours humanitarian workers worldwide and highlights the importance of protecting the safety, dignity and well-being of people affected by crises.

Through the 2026 commemoration, Dubai Humanitarian reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening humanitarian partnerships, supporting humanitarian logistics and creating platforms that recognise and assist people working on the front lines of humanitarian response.