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"DIHAD" Discusses the Impact of Technology on Humanitarian Work

Employing Technology in Emergencies and Catastrophes
Dubai - United Arab Emirates, February 22^nd 2011: For the eighth consecutive year, Dubai is hosting the biggest humanitarian event in the Middle East region; The Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD 2011), which is held this year under the motto "New Technologies: How These Impact Humanitarian and Development Operations".

The DIHAD Conference and Exhibition is considered a physical translation for the vision of the United Arab Emirates and its leadership towards humanitarian activities. It is also the largest event in the region that focuses on this vital field which is a very dynamic sector and fast growing at the present time.

DIHAD will showcase the technical influence of satellite systems and other electronic devices used in logistical preparation, transportation, communication and other related applications. In addition, the DIHAD 2011 Conference will feature the international community's reaction towards the crucial issues, such as food security, applications utilized in humanitarian operations and the impact of new technologies in coordination and information management. Topics will also tackle how new technologies can assist disaster affected countries in addition to assisting humanitarian workers in diagnosing the needs of affected population.

Index Conferences and Exhibitions Organisation Est. member of INDEX Holding is preparing for this huge event which is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, and will be held between the 28^th until the 30^th of March 2011 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

DIHAD has been the host of top humanitarian leaders from the international and local NGOS, UN Agencies, relief agencies, donors and governmental and non-governmental bodies from different countries and this year is no exception. Key international humanitarian executives and leaders are coming to the conference to discuss principles, policies and current practices implemented within the humanitarian field to enhance the development.

Mr. Mohammed Zarouni, the Director of the UAE Red Crescent Authority - Dubai Branch and a member of the DIHAD International Scientific Advisory Board (DISAB) said "the UAE Red Crescent Authority looks forward to participate in DIHAD Conference and Exhibition every year; we are actually the official supporters of the event. DIHAD is a unique platform where all regional and international associations and organizations working in the humanitarian filed join their efforts, exchange information and expertise, and work together in order to develop and improve the global endeavors in this field in addition to finding appropriate solutions for problems and challenges that humanitarians come across."

Since it was established, the UAE Red Crescent Authority has had quite an effective role in the DIHAD exhibition. The authority supports all workshops, seminars and lectures at DIHAD that are delivered by key international specialists who has an effective role in the humanitarian work.

Mr. Mohammed Zarouni also said "the theme of DIHAD for this year is remarkable one, as technology is considered a pressing issue for humanitarians, as it helps in facilitating the emergency response and the overall relief and development processes especially while in case of disasters that are facing the world at this time."

DIHAD conference and exhibition will explore how new technologies impact on humanitarian and development operations, and how sometimes they can affect and change the way humanitarian and development organisations can collectively operate. The conference will show the extent to which these changes are benefiting populations in need of assistance.

DIHAD 2011 will thus bring together the suppliers, the users and - to some extent - the beneficiaries, in an attempt at reviewing the manner in which all concerned are affected. Mr. Filippo Grandi - Commissioner General at the United Nations Relief and Recovery Agency for the Palestinians Territories (UNRWA) said "we at UNRWA believe that DIHAD is such a great platform for humanitarians to meet and discuss the latest in the field, it is also considered and excellent networking place for humanitarian activists. Therefore we at UNRWA regard DIHAD as one of the major events of the year, which offers us a chance to strengthen ties with many of our existing regional partners while engaging with potential new ones."

Commenting on the theme of DIHAD for this year, Mr. Grandi said "There is no doubt that technology is playing a major role in our work especially with navigation, allocation and telecommunications, yet still technology has a great potential to realize its bigger role through different other channels. We are striving to involve the usage of technology in the education zone, which more likely suits UNRWA's programs, as we believe that technology could renovate the teaching methods and enhance the pace of learning."

He continued "technology can be developed in primary healthcare and can assist vulnerable refugees; it could also transform the quality and efficiency of our services. Alternative technologies have helped mitigate the impact of the blockade of Gaza, as Compressed Earth Technology has allowed us to build houses despite not having access to ordinary building materials. DIHAD will allow participants to offer a wealth of perspectives on these and other exciting possibilities, I am certain that DIHAD this year will be a stimulating experience for all."

Mr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman of DIHAD Conference and Exhibition and President of INDEX Holding said "We have chosen New Technologies as a main theme for the eighth edition of DIHAD to study its impact on the humanitarian practices and understand how technology can enable quicker and better response during crises and catastrophes and how organisations and humanitarians can provide response and relief assistance in a more effective way."

"During the past eight years, the DIHAD Conference and Exhibition had scored a big success in attracting the world's key humanitarian executives and leaders to Dubai where they can share their expertise, voice their thoughts and contribute to uncovering solutions that would have a major input in raising the standard of living for the affected communities, building their capabilities and teaching them how to respond quickly and more effectively during a crisis." Continued Al Madani

With more than 275 exhibitors representing governmental and non-governmental organisations, charity organisations, healthcare sector, medical equipment suppliers and temporary hospitals, DIHAD is considered the largest humanitarian annual event in the MENA region and dedicated to community development, relief and crisis management - both known as a very dynamic sector and the fastest growing at the present time.

Other industries will be present at the exhibition as well such as; clothing & protection food manufacturers, emergency food pharmaceuticals and drugs sanitation, hygiene equipment providers, solar energy systems and products, temporary housing and shelter security services, engineering and environmental solutions, additional to traders, manufacturers, and distributors.

DIHAD is organized in cooperation with Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, the United Nations, the UAE Red Crescent Society, Dubai Cares, Organization of Islamic Conference and the International Humanitarian City and other international and regional organizations.

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© Press Release 2011