Kuwait Named Guest Of Honour At DIHAD 2026 Conference

DIHAD 2026 has named the State of Kuwait as Guest of Honour for its 22nd edition, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The decision highlights deep UAE–Kuwait ties and their shared focus on humanitarian cooperation and development.

The 22nd Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition will run from 5th to 7th May, 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The announcement aligns with nationwide celebrations of UAE–Kuwait relations under the theme "UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever", featuring more than 40 events across all emirates.

DIHAD 2026 adopts the theme "Humanitarianism in Transition: Shaping the Future of Humanitarian Action", signalling attention to how relief work is evolving. The programme will examine forces driving change, responses to emerging crises, and leadership skills needed to manage complex humanitarian operations in a more volatile global landscape.

Organisers state that this edition will look at adapting operational models, strengthening coordination and building resilience in humanitarian systems. Sessions are expected to address redesign of field approaches, integration of innovative tools and support for sustainable development goals, while also assessing how international partnerships can respond to overlapping emergencies and long-term needs.

The choice of Kuwait as Guest of Honour underscores Kuwait’s recognised role in relief and charitable work. It reflects the joint commitment of Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates to humanitarian causes at regional and global levels. Kuwait’s participation is also intended to deepen dialogue between institutions from both states and international partners.

Kuwait will be represented through an official Kuwait Pavilion that will feature leading government bodies, humanitarian organisations and specialised institutions. The pavilion will showcase national achievements, new solutions and development programmes linked to humanitarian innovation, sustainable development and global solidarity, providing a focused view of Kuwait’s long-term contributions to aid and development.

Ambassador Professor Abdulsalam AlMadani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Organisation and Chairman of the DIHAD International Scientific Advisory Board, and Roving Ambassador of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean for the GCC region, said the participation of the State of Kuwait as Guest of Honour reflects the depth of brotherhood and shared history between the two countries and will strengthen humanitarian dialogue. He said, "Solidarity is the essence of humanitarian work, and Kuwait’s participation as Guest of Honour at DIHAD 2026 reflects this value by enhancing dialogue and the exchange of expertise among Emirati, Kuwaiti and international professionals." He added, "DIHAD is a platform that transforms ideas into action, bringing together leaders and experts to build strategic partnerships, foster innovation and deliver practical solutions to complex humanitarian challenges. Kuwait’s participation highlights its distinguished humanitarian legacy and shared vision with the United Arab Emirates in serving humanity."

For more than twenty years, DIHAD has gathered international organisations, national authorities, private sector players, academics, decision-makers and field experts. The event has become a meeting point to convert humanitarian challenges into workable initiatives, build cross-border partnerships and support the development of future humanitarian leaders from the region and beyond.

DIHAD 2026 will once again be organised by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions Org., part of INDEX Holding. The event is supported by the UAE Aid Agency, the United Nations, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the Dubai Future Council for Humanitarian Action, the UAE Red Crescent Authority, Dubai Humanitarian and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment.

Stakeholders expect DIHAD 2026 to offer a concentrated platform for cooperation between government entities, international and non-governmental organisations, academia, business and media. By focusing on humanitarianism in transition and spotlighting Kuwait as Guest of Honour, the conference is set to reinforce regional collaboration and shape discussions on practical, inclusive approaches to future humanitarian action.

With inputs from WAM