The International Humanitarian City (IHC) was founded in 2003 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, through the merger of Dubai Aid City (DAC) and Dubai Humanitarian City (DHC). 

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Hosting a community of members comprised of UN organisations, international non-governmental organisations, intergovernmental organisations, and commercial companies.

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Today, over 14 years later, IHC is the largest humanitarian hub in the world with the most diverse members. It plays a pivotal role in facilitating first responses to crises at a global level efficiently. Based in Dubai, IHC has a strategic location allowing rapid relief to be within reach in all corners of the world.

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In 2011, IHC tripled its size and moved to its current strategic location at 18 km from Al Maktoum Airport and 21 km from Jebel Ali Port, the largest man-made port in the world, giving members the ability to move shipments from sea to air in as little as 10 minutes.

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IHC AT A GLANCE

Chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, IHC enables its members and aid agencies to conduct fundraising activities in the United Arab Emirates with the partnership and support of the City to obtain government approval. In other terms, IHC exists for its members. Benefiting from the position of Dubai as a hub for transport modes, logistics, and value-added services, it offers an innovative approach to support humanitarian response through its facilities, warehousing and close-knit network of partners in the private sector, local community, and government.

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REGISTRATION AND LICENSING

 

• The International Humanitarian City is an independent free zone Authority where humanitarian organisations and commercial companies can register and get licensed.

• IHC provides an adequate environment to foster partnerships and social responsibility in a clear legal framework.

• Manufacturers and suppliers of goods and services to humanitarian agencies

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FACILITIES
 

The International Humanitarian City is the largest humanitarian hub with more than 127,000 square metres of warehouses and offices. This is set to double by 2020, and triple by 2022, reaching up to 360,000 square metres to meet sharp rise in global demand for emergency aid worldwide.

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IHC provides support to its members in regard to daily operations and activities:

• Meetings and Conferences

• Cafeteria and Catering

• Shuttle Bus Services for transportation

• Parking

• Security: Exceptional procedures to ensure the security and safety of all IHC members, including access controlled entrance and 24/7 guards