International Humanitarian City (IHC) Dubai — Free Zone Guide 2026
International Humanitarian City (IHC) in Dubai is a unique free zone designed for humanitarian organizations, NGOs, and relief agencies. Here is the complete 2026 guide.
In this guide:
IHC Overview
- Location: Dubai Investment Park area, Dubai
- Established: 2003 under HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
- Purpose: World’s largest humanitarian hub; serves global humanitarian operations
- Residents: UN agencies, NGOs, international organizations, private sector suppliers to humanitarian sector
Who Can Set Up in IHC?
- UN agencies and programs (UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF, etc.)
- International NGOs (international non-governmental organizations)
- Private companies supplying goods/services to humanitarian sector
- Social enterprises with humanitarian focus
IHC Advantages
- Unique positioning: Only humanitarian-focused free zone in UAE; access to other IHC-resident organizations
- Strategic location: Dubai hub; excellent air connectivity for deploying to crisis zones
- Warehousing: Pre-positioned relief supplies; purpose-built humanitarian warehousing
- Recognition: IHC address is internationally recognized and respected in humanitarian sector
IHC vs Standard Free Zones
- For-profit vs not-for-profit: IHC hosts both; standard free zones primarily serve commercial entities
- Sector network: IHC provides access to unique network of humanitarian actors; not available in standard free zones
- Cost: IHC pricing separate from standard free zone pricing; contact IHC directly for current rates