Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday (January 12) launched the 2015 - 2021 strategy for the International Humanitarian City in Dubai, UAE, a report said.

International Humanitarian City aims to become a leader that champions humanitarian efforts through innovation and cooperation, pioneering the way as the world’s very first humanitarian logistical hub, added the report published by WAM, the official Emirates News Agency.

Established in 2003 by Sheikh Mohammed, the IHC has grown to become the world’s largest and busiest logistics hub for humanitarian aid with UN agencies and other NGOs and commercial entities as members.

Shaima Al Zarooni, IHC CEO, said the IHC has become the reliable international centre for humanitarian assistance in the Middle East and Africa, noting that the IHC has delivered humanitarian assistance over the past decade to the tune of more than Dh1 billion ($272 million) in total.

She explained that assistance is usually delivered within three to seven hours with Al Maktoum International Airport as the base.

Sheikh Mohammed also donated Dh1 million ($272,000) as a seed of encouragement that motivates the private sector to persevere in financing a steady stream of relief projects locally and internationally, the WAM report said.

He also toured the photo gallery exhibition, which showcases the magnitude and life-changing impact of aid provided by the UN and other international humanitarian organizations based in the IHC.

“The IHC's strategy is roadmap with definite features, goals, objectives and work mechanisms through 2021,” Sheikh Mohammed was quoted as saying.