Save the Children is opening a new office in the Gulf region – the latest stage of its growth in the Middle East.

The leading global independent child rights agency is already investing millions more dollars in its emergency relief work for Syria, Iraq and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. It has offices in Middle East countries, such as Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon.

Now, it will have an office in the International Humanitarian City in Dubai, U.A.E. The office is officially open on August 17.

Shaima Al Zarooni, CEO of International Humanitarian City, said: “We are pleased to welcome Save the Children to our growing community at IHC. In the midst of crises happening around us, children are being exposed to terrible dangers and poor living conditions, and many are losing families and are in dire need of protection and basic rights such as education. We value the work of Save the Children, and are excited to work alongside our new member organization, and ultimately see the great impact of our community’s joint efforts for saving and improving lives of those in need.”

Save the Children has been present in the Gulf since 2010, working with partners across the region such as Dubai Cares, Salam Ya Seghar, Educate A Child and the Islamic Development Bank.

Partners and supporters in this region alone – through their generosity, knowledge and expertise – have helped Save the Children reach more than 400,000 children across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Save the Children is on course to see this figure double in 2014-2015.

Save the Children’s GCC CEOs, Justin Forsyth and Carolyn Miles, said: “Our aim is to improve our collaborative working with our highly-valued partners in the Gulf region, to continue to save and improve the lives of children, helping them to fulfil their potential.

“Establishing this office marks an exciting new chapter for our work in the Gulf region. We look forward to an even closer conversation with like-minded partners, driving life-enhancing change for children.”

Save the Children is currently responding to the Gaza crisis through the provision of baby care kits, hygiene kits, clean water and psychosocial support.