Dubai Humanitarian drives global supply chain resilience at AidEx

As the world faces an unprecedented number of complex crises, the need for a robust and adaptive approach to delivering life-saving aid has never been more critical. Recognising this global imperative, Dubai Humanitarian took centre stage at AidEx 2026, held on the 21st and 22nd of October in Geneva, Switzerland. Throughout the prestigious two-day exhibition, the organisation showcased its unique humanitarian ecosystem, driving forward vital conversations on how to build supply chains that are not only more resilient and connected but also highly diversified.

During the event, Dubai Humanitarian actively engaged with a wide spectrum of humanitarian organisations, international partners, and private-sector commercial companies. The organisation utilised its exhibition stand as a dynamic platform to introduce the myriad of opportunities offered by its free zone, underscoring its pivotal role in supporting global humanitarian action. It highlighted the vast capabilities of its international community, extended an open invitation to potential new members, and detailed its ongoing efforts to establish a comprehensive Global Safety Net. This ambitious initiative aims to seamlessly connect humanitarian hubs, critical resources, operational data, and logistical capabilities across different regions of the world.

A major highlight of their participation was the convening of a high-level session titled “Sustaining Humanitarian Response Under Pressure: Partners in Motion for a Stronger Global Safety Net.” This panel brought together some of the most influential humanitarian organisations and global logistics providers to closely examine how international cooperation can be optimised to sustain the delivery of critical assistance amidst escalating global disruptions.

In his welcoming remarks, Giuseppe Saba, CEO of Dubai Humanitarian, highlighted the importance of sustained international dialogue and cooperation in strengthening humanitarian preparedness: “Over the past years, we have consistently brought together humanitarian organisations with government and logistics partners to address the challenges facing global humanitarian supply chains. Through these ongoing exchanges, we have built a shared understanding that resilience requires more than responding to disruptions. It requires preparedness, diversified routes, connected systems and partnerships that can be mobilised when they are needed most. Our focus today is to continue translating this collective understanding into stronger coordination and practical solutions that keep humanitarian assistance moving, even under the most challenging circumstances,” said Saba.

The panel, expertly moderated by Benjamin Safari, Head of Supply Management Service at UNHCR, featured a diverse array of industry leaders. Participants included Alex Marianelli, Chief Inter Agency Supply Chain Services at the World Food Programme; Cecile Terraz, Global Director, Humanitarian Services & Supply Chain Management at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; Grete Kjaer, Global Key Client Manager, Aid & Relief at A.P. Moller-Maersk; Jean-Cédric Meeùs, Chief Global Transport & Logistics at UNICEF; and Sayed Harris, Manager of Cargo Global Commercial & Special Products at Emirates SkyCargo.

The profound discussion addressed the increasing pressure placed on humanitarian operations due to active conflicts, maritime insecurity, airspace restrictions, and severe disruptions to traditional transport corridors. These logistical hurdles are further complicated by the harsh reality of growing humanitarian needs combined with constrained operational funding. The leaders explored how humanitarian entities and private-sector logistics providers can forge closer alliances to anticipate future disruptions, diversify their transport routes, and improve the real-time visibility of humanitarian supplies. They also discussed strengthening coordination across procurement, compliance, and emergency logistics, emphasising the strategic role of humanitarian hubs in supporting global preparedness and exploring opportunities for greater interoperability and shared infrastructure.

Established in 2003 under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Humanitarian stands today as an independent free-zone authority and the world’s largest humanitarian hub. Hosting over 80 members, including United Nations agencies, non-profit organisations, and commercial enterprises, the hub maintains an impressive average of $200 million in prepositioned humanitarian supplies, ensuring a rapid and effective international emergency response when the world needs it most.