The UN Messenger of Peace and the Chairperson of the International Humanitarian City, HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the stand of the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia), under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), during the inauguration of the 15th Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD 2018). The event was held from 5 to 7 March 2018 at the Dubai International Convention Centre, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with the United Nation’s (UN) official support, along with many of the world’s most prestigious aid entities.
During the visit, Princess Haya was briefed on Suqia’s achievements, projects and humanitarian aid initiatives. Through its stand, Suqia highlighted its pivotal role in strengthening the UAE’s position in supporting global efforts to address humanitarian challenges, particularly addressing the challenges of water scarcity by providing safe drinking water to communities suffering from scarcity and water pollution. Over 8 million people in 25 countries around the world have benefited from Suqia’s projects and initiatives over the past three years.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Suqia, expressed his appreciation for the visit stating that it honours Suqia for its achievements during the previous years. Al Tayer stressed the importance of Suqia’s participation in DIHAD 2018. It is an ideal platform for making partnerships, sharing knowledge, meeting global decision-makers and specialists in relief and international humanitarian work. This year’s exhibition includes more than 396 organisations from different fields such as development banks, environmental solutions providers and relief tools. It is also hosted during the Year of Zayed, where Suqia is committed to present its projects and enhance international cooperation to perpetuate the national and human legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to achieve the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071, which places the Emirati people at the top of its priorities.
“Suqia reviewed its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and humanitarian programmes for the Year of Zayed. This is in response to the announcement by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE who declared 2018 as the ‘Year of Zayed’ to celebrate the centennial of the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The programme includes 6 humanitarian and social projects and initiatives, in collaboration with DEWA and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment. The projects reflect the noble values and principles of philanthropy and wisdom, instilled by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the hearts of Emirati people. It is also a continuation of Suqia’s sustainable development initiatives in the Year of Giving,” added Al Tayer.
“Suqia’s vision supports the vision of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030, particularly Goal 6 – to ensure that water and sanitation services are available to all. We are committed to achieve this goal through joint work and cooperation with the organisations responsible, locally and internationally. Our participation in DIHAD is an ideal platform to achieve this,” said Mohammed Abdulkareem Al Shamsi, Acting Executive Director of Suqia.
DIHAD brings together organisations specialising in disaster relief and assistance, humanitarian aid projects, development programmes, major non-profit humanitarian organisations, UN Agencies, governmental departments, and international associations. Last year’s conference was a remarkable success with 9,000 visitors and 472 exhibitors from all over the world.