Under the patronage of UN Messenger of Peace and Chairperson of International Humanitarian City (IHC) HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of His highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the IHC on 19th of August joined efforts with the international humanitarian community, in celebration of the 2015 World Humanitarian Day (WHD), with one of the largest international humanitarian social media campaigns to encourage supporters to take further action.
As part of the celebration, the activities took place across Dubai, at key landmarks, attracting over 30,000 people, and was attended by a number of representatives from WHD partners, including the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), RTA, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (DNRD), Transportation Security Department – Dubai Police, The Dubai Mall, Dubai Channel Network (DCN), Watani, DP World, The Dubai Public Prosecution, Al Ihsan Charity, Emirates Red Crescent, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, Etisalat, Dubai Tourism, Alhan Production, Mohammed Hilal Group and Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children. Also it was attended by key individuals, artists, and representative of the media, including TV representatives Roaa Al Sabban and Hessa Al Reyasi and the singers Hatem Al Iraq, Faisal Al Jassim, , and Qusai Al Iraqi.
The celebration initially started at the DIFC, and then moved to the Dubai Airport, before concluding the celebration at The Dubai Mall, where there was live screening of WHD social media interactions. Additionally, supporters rallied up to take part in the various activities and competitions that were lined up to raise awareness of the humanitarian crises, needs and challenges as well as encourage them to participate in global movement towards humanity.
“Local community engagement in a campaign like this is crucial, and we are very pleased that such a large and diversified crowd came out to show their support to celebrate World Humanitarian Day across Dubai,” said Shaima Al Zarooni, CEO of International Humanitarian City. “This day is an important one, for it highlights so much of what we work towards every day. It gives me great pleasure to extend our appreciation to our partners and volunteers who made this day the success that it was.”
World Humanitarian Day was launched by the United Nations in 2008 to raise awareness about humanitarian efforts around the world as well as recognize and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes. The WHD celebration aims to bring humanitarian workers, media innovators, celebrities and millennial influencers and the public together to give voice to humanitarian issues, through sharing stories, humanitarian visuals and the power of word.