DIHAD Opportunities Platform: A Platform to Empowering and Employing UAE Nationals in Humanitarian Organizations

Launch of the Global Education Summit for Development at DIHAD 2025

Dubai, UAE – 30 April 2025: The second day of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition – DIHAD 2025 witnessed continued strong international participation and active engagement from humanitarian and development entities worldwide. A key highlight of the day was the launch of the Global Education Summit for Development (GESD 2025), held under the theme: “Reshaping the Global Future of Education in a Polarised World.” The summit champions a renewed vision of education as a unifying force that empowers individuals, strengthens social cohesion, and leads communities toward a more just and sustainable future.
In the face of an increasingly fragmented and complex global landscape, the sessions emphasize that education is not merely a means of acquiring knowledge but a powerful catalyst for peacebuilding, promoting shared values, and preparing future generations to engage with real-world challenges with awareness and responsibility. The summit was first introduced at DIHAD Conference and Exhibition 2024 by the DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation and the Digital School, in the presence of H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office, and Chairman of the Digital School Board.
Dr. Waleed Al Ali, Secretary General of the Digital School and Board Member, highlighted the vision of the initiative, stating: “In a rapidly changing and divided world, education must be a top priority—and constantly updated to reflect new digital, pedagogical, and innovations.
Education today is digital, personalized, and borderless. As development actors, we must be just as agile and innovative in how we deliver it.
Because education is the quickest path to fighting hunger, building peace, restoring dignity, and driving lasting development”.
Eng. Khaled Al Attar, Director General, DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation, affirmed that the launch of GESD 2025 reflects DIHAD’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transforming global education into a core pillar for addressing divisions and confronting the mounting challenges the world faces today.
He stated: “At DIHAD, we firmly believe that education is the most vital key to shaping a shared future grounded in human justice. Through this summit, we aim to ignite serious global dialogue that leads to actionable educational solutions tailored to the needs of the most vulnerable communities, and that fosters equitable access to knowledge.”
Among the most prominent activities on the second day of DIHAD 2025 was unveiling the DIHAD Opportunities, a strategic initiative designed to enable UAE nationals to engage actively and meaningfully in the humanitarian and development sectors. Launched in collaboration with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in Dubai and supported by the ‘Nafis’ programme, the platform offers over 40 high-impact employment opportunities during the event. These are not merely job vacancies, but part of a broader localization effort aimed at attracting and empowering qualified national talent to lead humanitarian efforts at both local and global levels.
The platform’s core mission is to empower Emirati professionals through continuous career development, offering a range of specialized training programs that prepare them to join leading humanitarian organizations worldwide. This approach ensures they are equipped to contribute effectively to humanitarian and development goals across all relief sectors. Furthermore, the DIHAD Opportunities platform reinforces the UAE’s position as a global humanitarian leader, steadily expanding its contribution to innovative solutions that advance human security and promote sustainable development worldwide.
Additionally, the “Children of DIHAD” initiative continues its activities, dedicated to instilling sustainable humanitarian values in children and promoting the concepts of cooperation and empathy. The initiative reflects DIHAD’s deep commitment to fostering noble humanitarian principles in future generations in a simple and indirect manner—aiming to create a lasting impact and raise awareness of humanitarian responsibility through age-appropriate methods. This initiative is part of DIHAD’s broader vision to cultivate generations that grow with an awareness of the importance of humanitarian work and the role of solidarity in addressing crises and building a more just and sustainable future.
This year’s edition also witnessed the launch of the DIHAD Philanthropist Hub, a cornerstone of DIHAD’s comprehensive vision to honor distinguished leaders in humanitarian action. DIHAD aims to showcase outstanding humanitarian initiatives through this platform and inspire individuals and organizations to advance sustainable development goals through impactful and transformative projects. The DIHAD Philanthropist Hub honored 10 influential figures in the field of humanitarian work, in recognition of their outstanding contributions.
The Humanthropy Academy was among the key highlights of DIHAD this year—an innovative platform that bridges theory and practice, developed in collaboration with the Dubai Future Council on Humanitarian Aid, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), and GADHA Foundation.
This dynamic platform brings together leading global experts to prepare the next generation of humanitarian leaders through specialized training programs, hands-on learning experiences, a continuous education credit system, and tailored professional fellowships designed to strengthen their competencies and equip them to face future humanitarian challenges.
Specialized workshops were also held on the sidelines of the exhibition as part of the DIHAD Workshops, providing a platform for participants from humanitarian, governmental, and private sectors to showcase successful models, share expertise, and explore practical, field-tested solutions, bringing a tangible, real-world dimension to theoretical discussions.
This year’s edition is also held in conjunction with the 16th edition of the International Emergency and Catastrophe Management Conference and Exhibition – IECM, a dedicated platform that brings together professionals in emergency and disaster management, research, and rescue operations. The event features the latest technologies, equipment, and services, offering innovative products and practical solutions for effective crisis and emergency response.
The Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition – DIHAD is an annual event organized by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions – a member of INDEX Holding, in collaboration with the DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation, and supported by the UAE Aid Agency, United Nations, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, The Dubai Future Council on Humanitarian Aid, Emirates Red Crescent, Dubai Humanitarian, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment. The event is proudly sponsored by the DP World Foundation, Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), Dubai Charity Association, Amazon Web Services (AWS), the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, and Al Khair Foundation.