Dubai Aid City takes major steps to facilitate speedy humanitarian activities for communities in the coastal southeast and south Asian region stricken by the disastrous tida

The recently launched DAC has assumed the role of facilitator for the benefit of international, regional and local humanitarian and development organizations and the people in need of aid.

DAC is working closely with the UAE Red Crescent Society to find ways of delivering the shipment of emergency supplies to the affected areas.

Says Barbara Castek, Head of Dubai Aid City: "This is one of the biggest global tragedies to have hit mankind and we need to take some quick disaster control actions. The input and expertise of the local well-established NGO and international organizations have been extremely encouraging, and I urge more and more people to come forward and support this initiative."

"The focus for groups in the region has moved to the humanitarian phase, sending relief supplies and finding shelter for survivors, and not a rescue effort. Our department for emergency preparedness and emergency response is working closely with these agencies to cater to such requirements," she added.

"A project like DAC can only happen in Dubai. Because of its geographical location and superior infrastructural facilities it offers a safe haven from where crisis areas can be reached within a very short period of time. DAC, which is on the board of Airport Emergency Team -sponsored by the World Economic Forum - is therefore driving such relief initiatives at local, regional and international level, points Castek.

There is constant support from the government of Dubai, whose upbeat spirit is pulling this initiative together, says she.

Dubai Aid City has set up a collection centre for donations to be made in cash or cheque at Al Attar Business Tower, 2nd floor, Sheikh Zayed Road. The donations will be used for providing water, new and clean clothes, blankets, tents and energy biscuits that will be sent to the affected areas by the UAE Red Crescent Society.

Omar Shehadeh, from UNICEF Dubai office said: "Dubai UNICEF has been mobilized to support relief efforts locally and in the region. We are establishing a hub in cooperation with Dubai Aid City who will help in facilitating our efforts to get across the emergency medical supplies to the needy. These include the 'Emergency Health Supply Kit', each of which is sufficient for 50 individuals, at a cost of USD 1,620."

"This is just the beginning. In future, we plan to have a fully quipped emergency coordination centre that will create a common platform needed to facilitate the implementation of projects to help achieve a maximum beneficial outcome," concludes Castek.

Dubai Aid City would also work towards finding solutions to the numerous logistics challenges and ways of reducing the cost of purchasing and shipping among NGOs, as well as introducing them to international aid agencies.