Dubai unveils 2015-2021 strategy for int'l humanitarian aid

Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum has launched here on Monday the 2015-2021 strategy for the international humanitarian city.

Sheikh Mohammed, also the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said when launching the plan, the international humanitarian city (IHC) aims to become "a leader" that catalyzes humanitarian efforts through innovation and cooperation.

Sheikha Lubna Al-Qasimi, the UAE minister of international cooperation and development was present at the event.

Sheikh Mohammed toured a photo gallery exhibition at IHC's warehouses where goods for people in need worldwide are collected and distributed in response to numerous disasters worldwide.

The total aid received exceeded 220 million dirhams (60 million dollars) in 2014.

In 2014, Dubai and the UAE provided several aid missions to Gaza to help victims of the Israeli attack on the Palestinian enclave last summer, to flood victims in Pakistan and to Syrian refugees in Jordan, among others.

IHC shall be the world's very first humanitarian logistical hub. On this occasion, United Nations (UN) general secretary Ban Ki-moon sent a recorded video message to the event in which the highest UN diplomat thanked the Dubai government for its efforts to support ad programs across the world.

IHC shall also facilitate corporate social responsibility partnerships through organizing private sector events and launching the first international humanitarian impact fund.

"This will strengthen the IHC's role as a crucial connector and facilitator of humanitarian work in the private sector," said a statement by the Dubai government.

IHC is located between the new dubai airport Al-Maktoum international and the free port zone Jebel Ali, according to the strategy in the so-called logistics corridor that links the port with the airport, goods can be transported without paying customs. Endit