The International Humanitarian City (IHC) was founded in 2003 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, through the merger of Dubai Aid City (DAC) and Dubai Humanitarian City (DHC). It is the one and only non-profit, independent, humanitarian free-zone Authority hosting a community of members comprised of UN organisations, international non-governmental organisations, intergovernmental organisations, and commercial companies.
Today, over 15 years later, IHC is the largest humanitarian hub in the world with the most diverse members. It plays a pivotal role in facilitating first responses to crises at a global level efficiently. Based in Dubai, IHC has a strategic location allowing rapid relief to be within reach in all corners of the world.
In 2011, IHC tripled its size and moved to its current strategic location at 18 km from Al Maktoum Airport and 21 km from Jebel Ali Port, the largest man-made port in the world, giving members the ability to move shipments from sea to air in as little as 10 minutes.