Giuseppe Saba

In 2024, Dubai Humanitarian marked 20 years of global humanitarian service, a milestone that reaffirmed our commitment to innovation, resilience, and compassion in addressing global crises. While the anniversary provided a moment for reflection and celebration, it also underscored the ongoing challenges that shape our mission.

Throughout last year, we faced severe humanitarian crises close to home. As regional geopolitics shifted and conflicts intensified, the demand for aid in our region and Africa surged. Vulnerable nations worldwide also continued to grapple with persistent struggles, from protracted conflicts to the devastating effects of climate change and health emergencies. Navigating these challenges required exceptional agility and steadfast resolve, highlighting the critical importance of Dubai Humanitarian’s role in emergency preparedness and response.

In 2024, nearly 50 per cent of the aid dispatched by the Dubai Humanitarian community was directed to conflict zones. These regions, marked by volatile conditions and logistical complexities, often required us to revise operational and financial plans to ensure timely and effective relief. The remaining aid was allocated to areas impacted by health crises and climate-related disasters. These three focus areas, conflict zones, health crises, and climate emergencies, are shaping our long-term strategy, driving us toward a future rooted in innovative and sustainable humanitarian aid operations.

Recognising that meaningful change requires collaboration, we continue to foster stronger partnerships with corporations, academic institutions, and research organisations. Together, we aim to redefine humanitarian aid standards, emphasising the role of diverse actors in achieving transformative outcomes. Our vision for the coming decades is focused on harnessing collective expertise and developing new approaches to address the growing complexity of global crises effectively.

A cornerstone of our efforts in 2024 was the advancement of data-driven solutions in humanitarian operations. One of our key achievements was a breakthrough with the Humanitarian Logistics Bank, which connected global hubs in Italy and Panama to create a unified digital ecosystem. By facilitating the exchange of critical information across all humanitarian hubs, we aim to improve response times, optimize resource allocation, and enhance predictive planning capabilities. This accomplishment marks the beginning of a more interconnected and efficient approach to humanitarian logistics.

These technological advancements are more than tools; they are enablers of better outcomes. By leveraging data, we can anticipate needs, allocate resources strategically, and respond with precision. Our commitment to innovation is rooted in the belief that smarter systems lead to stronger impacts, and we are determined to build on this momentum in the years to come.

Sustainability has long been a guiding principle in our operations, and 2024 underscored its importance. In response to increasing global demand for sustainable practices, we took bold steps to reduce and trace our carbon emissions. This commitment is not just about addressing current needs but about safeguarding future generations. Consequently, we are striving to develop logistics systems that not only meet immediate demands but also contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change.

As we look to 2025, our commitment remains stronger than ever. We are dedicated to driving innovation, leading with compassion, and making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. The path ahead will not be without challenges, but with a clear vision and a united community, we are confident in our ability to rise to the occasion.

In the coming year, we will expand our partnerships, refine our strategies, and deepen our impact. Our focus remains unwavering: to deliver aid more effectively, sustainably, and innovatively, ensuring that no one is left behind. In doing so, we honour the legacy of the past two decades while paving the way for a brighter, more hopeful future.