H.E Ibrahim Bumelha inaugurates DIHAD Conference and Exhibition

H.E Ibrahim Bumelha, Cultural and humanitarian Advisor of H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum humanitarian and Charity Est. attended the inauguration ceremony on behalf of H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid AL Maktoum, and had a tour in the exhibition area, where he was introduced to over 300 local, regional and international humanitarian and charity associations, relief agencies, NGOs, donors and procurers.

His Excellency was impressed with the participating companies and the conference program which includes prominent names of Arab and international humanitarian executives, His Highness also praised the effort achieved by the United Arab Emirates and Dubai in particular in organising such conferences that deal with the support of affected countries and communities.

The opening ceremony was marked with the International participating organisations and associations, and the participation of several key International Humanitarian executives and leaders in the Conference.

H.E Ibrahim Bumelha, Cultural and humanitarian Advisor of H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum humanitarian and Charity Est. and Chairman of the Higher Committee of DIHAD Conference delivered a speech at the Conference.

H.E. Dr. Bekele Geleta, Secretary General, International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent Societies, Honourable Rudy Salles, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and Vice-President of the French Parliament (l'Assemblee Nationale), and Dr. Robert Glasser, Secretary General of Care International had a speech at the opening ceremony.

H.E Ibrahim Bumelha, Cultural and Humanitarian Advisor of H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President Of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Est. And Chairman of the Higher Committee of DIHAD Conference said; "DIHAD 2009 Conference is held under the theme 'Empowering Communities: From Disaster to Development', and comprises of five significant meetings tackling world's major humanitarian challenges."

The sessions will highlight the current situation in GAZA and how to face the challenges imposed during this period of time; the sessions will also discuss climate change, food crisis and the world's current financial crisis.

H.E Bekele Geleta Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said, "DIHAD is widely recognised as a key event in the annual calendar for organisations and governments concerned with addressing global humanitarian and development challenges. DIHAD is also a unique market place for the best global ideas and innovations in humanitarian and global work."

DIHAD exhibition follows three main tracks; the transfer and sharing of knowledge through its presentations, debate and dialogue; the showcasing of new trends in operational support and supply services related to the assistance domain; and networking among local, regional and global players.

DIHAD is organised by Index Conferences and Exhibitions, member of Index Holding and in cooperation with Mohammed Bin Rashid AL Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, the United Nations, the UAE Red Crescent Society, MBR and many other international and regional organisations.

"DIHAD now in its sixth year works to gather major local, regional and international humanitarian associations together to meet, learn and work hand in hand to support communities and provide all technical and logistical assistance;" said Abdul Salam AL Madani, Executive chairman of DIHAD Conference and Exhibition and President of Index Holding.

He continued, "DIHAD is proving to be the largest humanitarian event in the Middle East, attended by key decision makers, procurement and logistics officials from leading international, regional & local NGOs, UN Agencies, Governmental Departments and international associations, specialists in the humanitarian industry, humanitarian individuals, researchers and Academics come from all parts of the world to benefit from the conference and the interactive sessions."

Al Madani also said that the participation in the exhibition this year has increased 20%, compared to last year with the participation of Denmark, France, Germany, Gibraltar, India, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Norway, Pakistan, Qatar, Italy, Slovenia, Sudan, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey, UAE, UK and USA.

Mr. Mohammed Al Zarouni Manager of the UAE Red Crescent Authority in Dubai said, "This year, DIHAD Conference and Exhibition is much bigger and more important than any other year, due to the disasters and crises, most importantly Gaza war, and the global financial crisis. The authority and under the guidance of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and the President of the UAE Red Crescent Authority, has always provide a helping hand to all of the concerned individuals and authorities that needs help."

He continued, "The world now is a small village and you can find the proof in this conference and exhibition which brings together the world's prominent activists in the field of rehabilitation. It is an opportunity for heads of associations and charitable organizations to meet and exchange experiences, and it is a chance to get introduces to the latest goods and services that serve affected communities and cities. "