Event honours humanitarian workers and highlights global solidarity in crisis response

Dubai Humanitarian (DXBH) marked World Humanitarian Day 2026 by hosting a gathering that brought together representatives of the humanitarian community, United Nations agencies, international organisations and other stakeholders to honour humanitarian workers and highlight the importance of global solidarity in responding to crises.

Held at ARTE Museum Dubai, the event was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the UN Resident Coordinator Office in the UAE.

Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, said humanitarian responses are built on courage, resilience and compassion, while recognising the efforts of workers who operate under difficult and often dangerous conditions to support communities affected by conflict, disasters and displacement.

The programme featured a video message from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, followed by a panel discussion titled “In Their Footsteps: The People Behind Humanitarian Action,” moderated by Sajeda Shawa, Head of the UN OCHA UAE Office.

The panel brought together Dr. Sama Al-Shawi, Legal Advisor at the International Committee of the Red Cross; Ibrahim AlBaloshi, Director of Sustainability and Partnerships at Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum Global Initiatives; Bashar Al Hammami, Head of Office – Partnerships at the UN World Food Programme in the UAE; and Dana Alhanbali, Founder of Bark & Berg, writer and podcast host.

Discussions focused on the challenges faced by humanitarian workers, the importance of cooperation among organisations and the resilience required to deliver assistance during increasingly complex emergencies.

The panel also explored the contribution of artists, authors and storytellers in strengthening humanitarian narratives and highlighting the human experiences behind crises.

Sajeda Shawa said World Humanitarian Day provides an opportunity to recognise the commitment, courage and compassion of humanitarian workers, while also remembering colleagues who have lost their lives in the course of their work.

UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE H.E. Bérangère Boëll also highlighted the courage and resilience of humanitarian workers, stressing the importance of continued support for those working in difficult environments.

Guests later experienced the “ARTE Experience”, which provided an opportunity for networking and dialogue among humanitarian professionals, partners and members of the community, while showcasing the role of art and immersive storytelling in encouraging empathy and understanding of humanitarian issues.

Observed annually on August 19, World Humanitarian Day pays tribute to humanitarian workers worldwide and promotes the safety, dignity and well-being of people affected by crises.

Through the 2026 commemoration, Dubai Humanitarian reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the global humanitarian community through strategic partnerships, stronger humanitarian logistics and platforms that support frontline humanitarian workers.