Dubai: More than 30,000 people gathered for World Humanitarian Day celebrations in the city. Local activities were held by the International Humanitarian City (IHC) under the patronage of Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Princess Haya is UN messenger of peace and chairperson of the IHC.
World Humanitarian Day (WHD), held annually on August 19, is dedicated to recognising humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes. The WHD celebration, launched in 2008, aims to bring humanitarian workers, media innovators, celebrities and millennial influencers and the public together to give voice to humanitarian issues.
As part of the celebration, activities took place across key landmarks in Dubai, attracting over 30,000 people.
The celebration initially started at the DIFC, and then moved to the Dubai airport, before concluding at The Dubai Mall, where there was live screening of WHD social media interactions. Additionally, supporters rallied to take part in the various activities and competitions that were lined up to raise awareness of the humanitarian crises, needs and challenges.
“Local community engagement in a campaign like this is crucial, and we are very pleased that such a large and diversified crowd came out to show their support to celebrate World Humanitarian Day across Dubai,” said Shaima Al Zarouni, CEO of IHC. “This day is an important one for it highlights so much of what we work towards every day. It gives me great pleasure to extend our appreciation to our partners and volunteers who made this day the success that it was.”
Celebrations were attended by a number of representatives from WHD partners, including the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Roads and Transport Authority, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRF), Transportation Security Department – Dubai Police, The Dubai Mall, Dubai Channel Network (DCN), Watani, DP World, Dubai Public Prosecution, Al Ihsan Charity, Emirates Red Crescent, Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, etisalat, Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Alhan Production, Mohammad Hilal Group and Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children. Also attending were key individuals, artists, and representative of the media, including Roaa Al Sabban, Faisal Jasem, Hessa Al Reyasi, Hatem Al Iraq, and Qusai Al Iraqi.
