The International Humanitarian City (IHC) and Care by Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Abu Dhabi today to establish a partnership to collaborate on UAE relief efforts. Fathi Buhahazza, President of Care by Air, and Shaima Al Zarooni, CEO of the IHC, signed the memorandum of understanding in the presence of representatives of the United Nations, NGOs, and several local companies and stakeholders.

The agreement sets the foundations for future teamwork in the field of humanitarian aid response. The two parties will cooperate on and promote best practices in humanitarian air shipments, improve communication and coordination among IHC’s member agencies, and conduct joint training.

Care By Air was founded in 2008 by Fathi Buhahazza, President & CEO of Maximus Air, supported by its founding members Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), Etihad Airways, and Aramex. It is an initiative in-line with the UAE’s humanitarian role as “giving nation”, and has the full support of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Its aim is to address the costs and effectiveness of the transportation and logistics requirements of relief organizations. Through its operations, leading air cargo airlines, logistics companies and aviation suppliers will help improve the lives of millions by either donating empty cargo space on flights at cost; waiving handling, landing or parking fees; or discounting fuel prices.

“I am so pleased to say that the Care by Air model is gathering momentum boosted by the shared common goals of the members. Such humanitarian initiatives can accomplish even more and move forward by strengthening the public/private partnership model,” stated Buhahazza.

The International Humanitarian City in Dubai is the world’s largest logistics for humanitarian aid with 50 aid agencies onsite. Chaired by HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the IHC provides UN, NGO and commercial members with warehouse facilities, logistics support, and services such as training.

“This agreement reflects HRH Princess Haya’s goal of forging partnerships to help all aid providers reach those in need faster and more efficiently,” stated Al Zarooni. “The IHC provides an exceptional platform for the humanitarian community and our partnership with Care by Air will strengthen it even further. We look forward to working together with them.”

For more information, visit ihc.ae