Humanitarian meet in UAE to focus on Africa

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Humanitarian, meet, UAE, focus, Africa, humanitarian conference

Dubai - As part of Dihad, a children's marathon will be organised and more than 10,000 are expected to take part.

By Sarwat Nasir

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Published: Wed 8 Jan 2020, 8:00 PM

Last updated: Wed 8 Jan 2020, 10:29 PM

This year's largest humanitarian conference and exhibition in the UAE will focus on Africa, with different events taking place to raise funds and awareness on the struggles people continue to face.
To be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from March 10 to 12, the 17th edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Conferences and Exhibitions (Dihad) will revolve around the theme 'Aid: A focus on Africa'.
"Over the years, Dihad has been highly successful in providing support to thousands of needy individuals by bringing together over 640 non-governmental associations, companies, and international brands from across the world," said Dr Abdul Salam Al Madani, executive chairman of Dihad.
As part of Dihad, a children's marathon will be organised and more than 10,000 are expected to take part. Funds will be donated to support the less fortunate kids in Africa.
The 4.2km run is scheduled on March 6 at the Happiness Street, starting from near the Burj Khalifa all the way towards the Dubai World Trade Centre and Happiness Park.
Exploring solutions
Another event, the International Humanitarian Hackathon 2020, will shed light on the most critical challenges in the continent and explore innovative solutions.
Explaining how the hackathon will benefit the needy in Africa, Dr Manal Taryam, CEO of primary healthcare sector at Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said: "With an emphasis on Africa, the participants will be provided challenges from the field of humanitarian work targeting multiple aspects, ranging from education, accessibility to healthcare, climate change, water supply and disaster response.
"Winners will be supported by the Dubai Future Foundation and partners to develop a prototype of the innovative idea which is expected to be put to use before the next Dihad in 2021."
Besides the DHA, Dihad has partnered with several other entities to help more people in need. Dubai Sports Council, UAE Red Crescent Authority, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity, and Dubai Cares are among its partners.
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com


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