Dubai Humanitarian hub praised by WHO for aid efforts in Gaza and Sudan

Senior health official says 'resources and support have been instrumental'

Dubai Humanitarian has been recognised for its key role in helping humanitarian agencies get vital aid to those in need in a number of regions. Antonie Robertson / The National

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Relief response depot Dubai Humanitarian has been praised by a senior figure from the World Health Organisation for playing a significant role in providing aid to people affected by humanitarian crises in Sudan and Gaza.

Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, was speaking after a visit to the centre as part of her organisation's collaboration with Dubai Humanitarian.

Survivors of the catastrophic earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have also received vital aid from the enterprise in Dubai.

"The resources and support provided here have been instrumental in delivering timely aid to those in need," said Dr Balkhy.

"This collaboration is a model of how strategic partnerships can drive impactful health interventions, ultimately saving lives and improving health outcomes in the most challenging circumstances.

“WHO’s partnership with Dubai Humanitarian exemplifies the strength of collective action in addressing regional and global health emergencies."

Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, on her recent tour of Dubai Humanitarian. Photo: Dubai Humanitarian

Dubai Humanitarian has organised 17 air shipments for Gaza alone through Al Arish in Egypt, transporting more than 1,400 tonnes of aid from the stocks of UN organisations hosted at the centre.

“We are proud to support WHO in its vital mission to deliver health services during emergencies,” said Giuseppe Saba, chief executive and board member of Dubai Humanitarian.

“Our partnership has enabled the rapid deployment of aid and resources to areas in desperate need.

"Our collaboration with the World Health Organisation is long-standing, as seen through the Humanitarian Logistics Databank, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, and the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Sudan, demonstrating the power and importance of working together to make humanitarian efforts more efficient and sustainable.”

On Saturday it was announced a total of 1,000 lorries loaded with humanitarian aid sent by the UAE has entered Gaza from Egypt through the Rafah border crossing since November to help those affected by the war.

The lorries were part of 100 aid convoys carrying more than 20,000 tonnes of urgent supplies since the UAE launched its aid mission for Gaza, called Gallant Knight 3.

The depot was previously known as International Humanitarian City, before rebranding in April.