Dubai Humanitarian, in collaboration with the IMPACCT Working Group (Importation and Customs Clearance Together), Dubai Customs, HELP Logistics, UNCTAD, and DP-DHL, hosted a three-day Advanced Masterclass on Importation & Customs for Humanitarian Response at its Knowledge & Development Centre (KDC). The event brought together over 25 professionals from 12 leading humanitarian organizations across 13 countries to strengthen expertise across the full importation lifecycle.
Building Expertise and Collaboration
The masterclass provided a platform for peer learning and practical application, covering key topics such as compliance and customs requirements, mitigation of operational challenges, and the legal responsibilities of shippers and consignees. Participants also engaged with case studies, scenario analyses, and a field visit to Dubai Customs, where they observed customs procedures in action.
Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, said: “Since the very beginning, Dubai Humanitarian has been part of the IMPACCT Group, and we take pride in working alongside our partners to enhance aid movement across the borders especially in emergency situations by granting more efficient humanitarian assistance to those in need. This collaboration enables the exchange of best practices across the sector, in line with our ongoing efforts to build a Global Safety Net. Through the Knowledge and Development Center, Dubai Humanitarian is not only the world’s largest humanitarian hub, but also a global leader in capacity-building and learning and creating alliances among crucial actors such as National Customs, which can impact the humanitarian action.”
Enhancing Operational Efficiency in Humanitarian Logistics
Virginie Bohl, Coordinator of IMPACCT Group, added: “Importation and customs processes are among the most complex aspects of humanitarian logistics, often determining how quickly and efficiently aid reaches those in need. Through our work, we are promoting collaboration between the humanitarian community, customs authorities, and local actors. In this advanced masterclass, we equip humanitarian professionals with the tools, insights, and partnerships required to navigate today’s challenges with greater agility and impact.”
Participants explored the growing role of innovative digital tools in facilitating efficient and transparent importation processes for humanitarian aid. Platforms such as the Humanitarian Logistics Databank and ASYREC were highlighted for enhancing transparency, coordination, and speed in global humanitarian operations.
A Milestone for Global Humanitarian Impact
The Advanced Masterclass underscores Dubai Humanitarian’s ongoing commitment to empower professionals, increase operational efficiency, and advance global humanitarian impact. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among humanitarian organizations, customs authorities, and local actors, the program reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for humanitarian capacity-building and innovation.
