DIHAD 2008 slated on April 2008

H.E Ibrahim Bumelha,Vice President Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment and Chairman of DIHAD Higher Organizing Committee disclosed this in the launching press conference. The press conference shaded lights on the upcoming event and the progress made during the past four editions of DIHAD.

The press conference attended by Mr. Gerhard J.W.Putman Cramer Vice Chairman of DISAB the International Scientific Advisory Board of DIHAD,and Chief of Emergency Services Branch and Deputy Director - United Nations for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Geneva, Mr.A bdul Aziz Al Rakban Special Humanitarian Envoy off the United Nations Secretary - General Dr. Tarek Shayya UNICEF Chief of Partnerships GCC Region Mr. Ahmad Al Muraikhi , General Director Qatar Authority for Charitable Activities Mr Mohammed Abdullah Alhaj Al Zaroni Director Red Crescent UAE Dubai Branch and members of DIHAD International Scientific Advisory Board. Mr. Abdul Salam Al Madani President of INDEX Holding the organizer of DIHAD.

This internationally recognized event that is organized by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions Organization Est. member of INDEX Holding gained the support of the top local, regional, and international humanitarian organizations and agencies. DIHAD 2008 is officially supported by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Est. , UAE Red Crescent and the United Nations. This three day event is scheduled from 8 through 10 April 2008 at the Dubai International Convention Centre H.E Ibrahim Bumelha Chairman of DIHAD Higher Organizing Committee revealed this.

Since its inception four years ago, DIHAD has grown exponentially to establish itself as the largest humanitarian event in the Middle East and is fast gaining international recognition. It has seen a steady growth in the number of participants in both the conference and exhibition. DIHAD 2008 would be the largest conference and exhibition in the industry to date, attracting thousands of professionals, and featuring more than 400 companies displaying products and services related to humanitarian aid and development.

Under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Dubai with its strategic location between East and the West has become a global hub for Leaders, supporters, practitioners', relief agencies, non - governmental humanitarian aid organizations NGOs, donors, and procurers to convene and actively engage in the humanitarian services, he added.

DIHAD will continue to support its endless mission of establishing the most effective platform for humanitarian actors to meet the ultimate goal of reducing suffering around the world,H.E Bumelha declared.

Mr. Gerhard J.W.Putman - Cramer Vice Chairman of DISAB the International Scientific Advisory Board of DIHAD said, "the four past editions of the Conference have seen record success and a constant evolution towards a model that has no equal in the international aid world. With DIHAD 2008, we will strive to evolve further in creating an authoritative forum where policies and practices are discussed, agreed upon and disseminated a real point of reference for the entire international aid community".

He added, "DIHAD 2008 aims at contributing to the current dialogue on aid subjects by discussing the most pressing issues currently facing the humanitarian domain to identify the clear, practical lessons learned to apply the best practices in humanitarian and aid." DIHAD 2008 will address four main subjects namely,

•Future crises
•Technology innovation
•Future challenges
•Emerging trends

DIHAD 2008 would constitute a perfect setting for the creation of new and lasting partnerships and the further expansion of existing ones. International aid coordination in general will greatly benefit from a better mutual knowledge and understanding and by joint discussions over issues of common concern. It will also constitute an ideal platform to agree upon and disseminate key advocacy messages on behalf of the international aid community, Mr. Gerhard J.W.Putman said.

On his part Mr. Abdul Salam Al Madani president of INDEX Holding said "DIHAD Conference and Exhibition is the only established humanitarian aid and development event the Middle East dedicated to this vital and important sector. DIHAD gathers a wide spectrum of international, regional, local expertise and professionals engaged in humanitarian aid and development. Through its interactive and intensive panel sessions, and workshops, the Conference will come out with practical and applicable recommendations for the benefit of the entire humanitarian industry and service sector Mr. Al Madani added.

DIHAD 2007 attracted a large number of Exhibitors from over 40 countries in Europe the Americas, Asia, and Pacific, Africa, Middle East and the UAE. Exhibitors included the United Nations Specialized Agencies, non-governmental organizations NGOs, Development Banks, Donors Financing Agencies, Charity Organizations, Civil Defense, Food manufacturers , Emergency Food, Healthcare, Medical Equipment, Temporary Hospitals, Pharmaceuticals and Drugs, Water Purification Systems & Storage Tanks, Sanitation and Hygiene Equipment, Logistics, Telecommunications and IT, Agricultural equipment and Products, Public Safety and Fire Prevention Systems. Mr. Al Madani said.

On the developmental and progressive aspects of DIHAD Mr.Al Madani said, "This unique event has seen a steady growth during the past years, in the number of exhibitors and participants in the conference. DIHAD 2007 attracted over 250 exhibitors, from 40 countries covering an area of 4,000 square meters. There was an increase of 50% in actual space sold compared with the previous year.

DIHAD 2008 will feature diverse exhibitors and participants including leading suppliers of relief goods and related services, service providers, and the largest number of NGOs, UN Agencies, and Government Departments. Mr.Al Madani said.

To create greater number of lasting business contacts DIHAD 2008 organizers would host as guests' procurement and logistics delegates representing, non-governmental organizations NGOs and UN Agencies.

Procurement officials will have excellent opportunities to interact with a large number of suppliers that allow them to work more effectively, and speed up the process of purchasing goods that will ultimately help humanitarian aid process." The show avails the opportunity to discuss supply issues with the participating products and services suppliers" Mr. Al Madani added.