International Humanitarian City

International Humanitarian City (IHC) is a first-of-its kind global humanitarian hub, which aims to facilitate aid and development efforts by providing local and international humanitarian actors with facilities and services specifically designed to meet their needs.

Acting both as an operational platform and a physical and virtual meeting place, IHC provides nonprofit organisations, companies, donors, journalists, volunteers, governments and those striving to save lives with a common ground for collaboration and consolidates Dubai as an essential link in the global humanitarian chain.

Established by the Government of Dubai as an independent free zone authority through the merger of ‘Dubai Humanitarian City’ and ‘Dubai Aid City’, IHC is chaired by HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and UN Messenger of Peace.

Leveraging the proven Dubai free zone model, IHC addresses the specific needs of the humanitarian aid and development community, while grouping them in a secure environment that fosters partnerships, social responsibility and global change. By co-locating, non-profit and commercial entities are encouraged to share best practices to increase their operational efficiencies and improve institutional learning.

IHC is a non-religious, non-political and non-profit organisation hosting over 55 United Nations agencies, international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and suppliers - including UNHCR, WFP, OCHA, IRIN, UNOPS, UNICEF, UNDSS, UNU-INWEH, UNAMA, World Vision, International Rescue Committee, SOS Children’s Villages, ACTED, Right To Play, Grameen-Jameel and Make a Wish Foundation to name a few.

In 2009, IHC will be both expanding and relocating to new facilities within ‘Dubai World Central’. Strategically located on a 750,000 sqm land allocated by the Government of Dubai near the new Jebel Ali international airport and seaport, the new infrastructure will include offices, a dedicated UN Building, conference and training facilities, flexible warehousing and the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD-Dubai). It is anticipated that the new strategic location and master plan will enhance IHC’s capacity to host more humanitarian organisations while reinforcing its role as a global humanitarian logistics, networking and training hub, through an enhanced set of facilities, services and sustainable solutions.

For more information about IHC, visit www.ihc.ae .