Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Dubai, supported by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Est., and officially supported by the United Nations and the UAE Red Crescent Society. Index will host the fifth Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition – DIHAD – 2009. This unique event will take place from the 7 - 9 April at the Dubai International Convention Centre.

On behalf of the International Scientific Advisory Board of DIHAD, I am pleased to welcome you to the fifth edition of this unique event – DIHAD 2009. Speaking of a unique event is not an overstatement: the four past editions of the Conference have seen an incremental success and a constant evolution towards a model that has no equal in the international aid world. With DIHAD 2009 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.

The overall aim of DIHAD is to contribute to the further enhancement of technically sound and principled international humanitarian and development assistance. In keeping with Dubai’s strategic location between ‘East’ and ‘West’, its energetic entrepreneurial climate and diverse international character, DIHAD further endeavors to build bridges between various actors and countries from around the globe engaged in addressing needs of those affected by crises, disasters or the adverse effects of under-development. In addition, DIHAD strives to provide a platform where assistance providers can interface with relevant actors from the corporate and governmental sectors with a view to creating meaningful synergies in support of those in need. DIHAD aims to further evolve into a truly global event with a distinct yet appropriately-sized regional character.

The overall aim is pursued through three main tracks: the transfer and sharing of knowledge through 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. Building on its emerging tradition, reputation and unique ‘one and only’ position within the region supported by the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The main elements of DIHAD are the conference, the exhibition and the interactive training sessions. These components are all part of an integrated concept that takes account of the latest trends and developments with the global assistance domain. Each year DIHAD thus carries a new title which underscores the event’s specific focus and direction.