Humanitarian Aid & Relief
Aid distribution and relief operations for global crisis response.
Relief
International Humanitarian City, Dubai
International Humanitarian City (IHC) is a purpose-built humanitarian hub designed to support global relief, logistics, and disaster-response operations. Strategically located in Dubai, it provides rapid access to air and sea transport, making it an ideal base for international aid agencies, NGOs, and humanitarian support organizations.
Excellent
100% membership-owned for organizations
Streamlined licensing and operational approvals
Humanitarian-specific activity licenses
Strategic access to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport
Warehouses, offices, and logistics facilities
Excellent
About IHC
About International Humanitarian City
International Humanitarian City is a dedicated humanitarian free zone and operational centre designed to facilitate global crisis response and aid distribution. Its strategic location near Dubai's main ports and airports enables rapid deployment of relief supplies worldwide.
The city integrates offices, warehouses, cold storage, training facilities, and logistics hubs in a single, fully regulated environment. This setup allows humanitarian organizations to manage relief operations, inventory, and global coordination efficiently, reducing delays and enhancing operational effectiveness.
IHC offers a supportive regulatory framework, modern infrastructure, and specialized logistics solutions. With membership-based governance and flexible operational options, it attracts UN agencies, NGOs, corporate partners, and research institutions focused on international humanitarian missions.
Benefits
Benefits of International Humanitarian City
IHC provides a purpose-built environment for humanitarian operations, combining a strategic location, specialized infrastructure, and supportive services to ensure efficient global aid delivery.
Dedicated Humanitarian Ecosystem
A purpose-built ecosystem for global humanitarian and relief operations.
Direct Ports & Airport Access
Direct access to ports, airports, and logistics channels for rapid deployment.
Fast Approvals
Fast membership and operational approvals to get you operational sooner.
Modern Facilities
Modern offices, warehouses, and cold storage facilities for aid operations.
Global Network
Coordination and networking with global aid organizations and partners.
Regulatory & Customs Support
A supportive regulatory framework and customs facilitation for relief goods.
Sectors
Key Sectors at International Humanitarian City
IHC supports humanitarian, logistics, emergency response, medical storage, and capacity-building activities.
Logistics, Freight & Supply Chain
Freight forwarding and supply chain operations for aid delivery.
Logistics
Emergency Response & Disaster Management
Emergency preparedness and disaster-response coordination.
Response
Medical & Cold Chain Storage
Cold storage and medical inventory for time-sensitive relief supplies.
Medical
Training, Research & Capacity Building
Training centres and research in the humanitarian sector.
Training
License Types
Types of Licenses in International Humanitarian City
IHC offers licenses tailored to humanitarian organizations, commercial support entities, and office options.
Humanitarian Organization License
For non-profits, UN agencies, and relief groups conducting global aid activities.
- Non-profits & UN agencies
- Relief groups
- Global aid activities
Commercial Entity License
For companies offering logistics, warehousing, training, or operational support to humanitarian missions.
- Logistics & warehousing
- Training & support
- Operational services
Standard Office License
Provides office space and basic administrative support for licensed humanitarian entities.
- Office space
- Administrative support
- Licensed entities
Business Center Desk License
Cost-effective shared desk option for organizations needing a presence without a full office.
- Shared desk
- Cost-effective
- Presence without full office
Humanitarian Organization License
For non-profits, UN agencies, and relief groups conducting global aid activities.
- Non-profits & UN agencies
- Relief groups
- Global aid activities
Commercial Entity License
For companies offering logistics, warehousing, training, or operational support to humanitarian missions.
- Logistics & warehousing
- Training & support
- Operational services
Standard Office License
Provides office space and basic administrative support for licensed humanitarian entities.
- Office space
- Administrative support
- Licensed entities
Business Center Desk License
Cost-effective shared desk option for organizations needing a presence without a full office.
- Shared desk
- Cost-effective
- Presence without full office
Legal Structures
Legal Structures in International Humanitarian City
IHC supports two main legal structures for entities joining its community. Each structure fits different organizational goals and operational models.
Humanitarian Organization Establishment
- For registered non-profit entities and intergovernmental agencies
- Operating globally in aid, relief, and development
- Enables branches of local or international humanitarian organizations
- Membership-based governance
Commercial Establishment (FZ-LLC / Branch)
- For for-profit companies supporting humanitarian operations
- Logistics, procurement, warehousing, or other services
- Set up as a Free Zone LLC
- Or as a branch of an existing business
Requirements
Required Documents for IHC Setup
To set up a membership or license in International Humanitarian City, organizations need specific documents for registration and approvals.
Organization & Member Documents
- Passport copies of all authorized representatives
- Passport-size photographs
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) / governing documents
- Articles of Association (AoA)
- Organization profile or mission statement
Facility & Approvals Documents
- Lease or membership agreement for office or warehouse space
- Special permits or government approvals (if applicable)
Full setup
10-14
Days
Timelines are indicative; visa processing follows membership approval.
Good to know IHC provides offices, warehouses, cold storage, and shared desks so you can begin operations quickly.
Timeline
IHC Setup Timeline
IHC follows a structured setup process to ensure smooth registration and operational readiness. A typical timeline is as follows.
- Day 1: Submit application and initial documents
- Day 2-3: Review and approval of organization name and activity
- Day 4-5: Select facilities and sign membership/lease agreement
- Day 6-7: Submit MoA/AoA and supporting documents for licensing
- Day 8-10: Receive membership approval and registration certificate
- Day 11-14: Apply for visas, establishment card, and operational permits
Setup Process
Steps to Set Up in International Humanitarian City
Setting up in IHC is structured to ensure compliance and smooth operations for humanitarian and support organizations. Follow these steps from activity to visas with our team guiding each stage.
Step 1
Determine Your Activity
Choose the type of operations your organization will conduct, such as aid distribution, logistics, training, or research.
Step 2
Select License Type
Pick the appropriate license: humanitarian organization, commercial support, office, or shared desk, based on your activity.
Step 3
Reserve Organization Name
Submit preferred names for approval. The name must follow IHC regulations and reflect the organization's mission.
Step 4
Submit Documents
Provide required organizational documents, MoA/AoA, representative details, and facility approvals for review.
Step 5
Choose Facility Option
Select office space, warehouse, cold storage, or shared desk based on operational and licensing needs.
Step 6
Sign Legal Agreements
Finalize and sign membership, lease, or facility agreements along with MoA/AoA approvals.
Step 7
Receive Membership & License
Obtain your official IHC membership certificate and activity license to operate legally within the free zone.
Step 8
Apply for Visas & Establishment Card
Process visas for employees and representatives and complete the establishment registration to begin operations.
Pricing
Cost of International Humanitarian City Setup
Business setup costs in IHC typically start from AED 20,000 onwards, depending on license type, facility choice, and operational requirements.
Starter Package
From AED 20,000
An entry package covering membership or license and an IHC base, suited to lean office and shared-desk setups.
Office / Warehouse Setup
Facility-based
A license with a dedicated office or warehouse and visas, suited to logistics and relief operations.
Cold Storage / Logistics Setup
Space & scope based
Cold storage and logistics facilities with larger visa quotas for medical and supply chain operations.
Major cost components include
Membership or license fees
The annual membership or license fee for your activity.
Lease or facility agreement
For office, warehouse, cold storage, or shared desk.
Documentation & processing
Documentation and administrative processing charges.
Visa & establishment card
Visa and establishment card fees per person.
Special approvals
Special approvals or permits for humanitarian or commercial activities, if required.
Note
All figures are indicative. For a customized cost breakdown based on your organization's needs, connect with Riz & Mona for expert guidance.
Get Started
Set Up Your Organization in International Humanitarian City
From license and legal structure selection to facility agreements, visas, and approvals, we handle your IHC setup end to end. Book a free 30-minute consultation and get a clear, costed plan.
License & activity selection•Facility & membership agreements•Visas & establishment card•Humanitarian permits support
