logo
Ramadan in UAE: 7 million meals to be distributed in 'United in Giving' initiative

Ramadan in UAE: 7 million meals to be distributed in 'United in Giving' initiative

Khaleej Times05-03-2025

The UAE Food Bank has launched the 'United in Giving' initiative to provide seven million meals to those in need during Ramadan.
The initiative comprises three key sub-initiatives: 'Blessing Baskets', which focuses on distributing over 200,000 meals daily in the form of food donations, parcels, and surplus meals; 'Zabeel Iftar', an initiative providing Iftar meals for over 3,000 workers; and 'Surplus of Good', an awareness programme that educates the community on innovative and sustainable ways to repurpose surplus food.
Manal bin Yaroof, Head of the Executive Team at the UAE Food Bank, explained that the 'Blessing Baskets' meals will be collected through food donations and parcels from retail stores, food establishments, manufacturers, and suppliers, while surplus cooked and uncooked food from hotels, restaurants, corporate donors, and individuals will also be gathered and distributed to beneficiaries.
This process will be carried out in coordination with charitable organisations and public and private sector partners, ensuring that food reaches those most in need across the UAE.
She further highlighted that the 'Zabeel Iftar' initiative will provide Iftar meals for over 3,000 workers, reflecting the UAE Food Bank's commitment to social solidarity and recognising the contributions of the blue-collar workforce.
The 'Surplus of Good' programme, a collaboration between the UAE Food Bank and Fatafeat TV, will promote creative and sustainable methods of repurposing surplus food.
Bin Yaroof said, "As part of 'Surplus of Good', we are producing six episodes in five languages – Arabic, English, Amharic, Indonesian, and Urdu – featuring innovative recipes that transform surplus food into nutritious meals. These episodes will be professionally produced, incorporating insights from chefs, volunteers, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. By ensuring broad accessibility, we aim to maximise awareness and create a lasting impact in the global fight against food waste."
As part of the initiative's objectives, the UAE Food Bank will expand its strategic partnerships through 12 cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with government entities, private sector partners, humanitarian organisations, food institutions, hotels, and corporate contributors.
The initiative supports the UAE Food Bank's 2023–2027 strategic plan, which focuses on launching humanitarian programmes, minimising food wastage through collective action, and advancing national strategies. These efforts include collaboration with the Al Na'ma Initiative, engagement with various government bodies, support for local farmers, and partnerships with international and Arab food bank networks.
The initiative is held under the guidance and supervision of Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Supreme Chairperson of the UAE Food Bank.
The move, which falls under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, aims to promote sustainable food management, reduce wastage, and encourage community participation in charitable efforts.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

SPC Free Zone secures coveted workplace accolade for 2nd year
SPC Free Zone secures coveted workplace accolade for 2nd year

Sharjah 24

time2 hours ago

  • Sharjah 24

SPC Free Zone secures coveted workplace accolade for 2nd year

The certification is based on direct and anonymous employee feedback through focused surveys, and SPC Free Zone's success stemmed from exceptional scores across categories, including Workplace Hospitality, Leadership Behaviour, Innovation, Engagement, Equity, Collaboration, and Safety. These high marks paint a clear picture of an environment where employees feel welcomed, respected, empowered, and secure. Commenting on the achievement, Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of SPC Free Zone, said: 'At SPC Free Zone, we firmly believe that human capital is the cornerstone of any sustainable institutional success. Being certified as a Great Place to Work for the second year in a row reflects this belief and stands as a direct result of the continuous support and guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, who has established a visionary leadership approach that places employees at the heart of development and excellence.' He added: 'This accomplishment affirms that a healthy and attractive work environment has a positive impact on team performance, while its influence extends to the wider business community. Today, more than 9,600 companies operate in an ecosystem that inspires growth, creativity, and sustainability, further enhancing the free zone's ability to attract international partners and reinforce its status as a global hub for knowledge and investment.' Fostering growth and employee well-being SPC Free Zone has also implemented various policies and initiatives aimed at promoting growth, connection, and well-being within the workplace. A standout example was the launch of the SPC Academy, which provided all employees with regular monthly learning and development workshops, offering access to cross-departmental training. This initiative aims to enhance the organisation's understanding of its dynamics and empower individuals to expand their skill sets and career trajectories. Through efforts to promote engagement and inclusion, the free zone also curated a calendar rich with meaningful activities that strengthen bonds and celebrate diversity. From recognising international days of recognition and raising awareness for various causes, to hosting grand annual gala dinners that reward exceptional achievements and fostering community during the sacred month of Ramadan with annual Iftars, SPC Free Zone has promoted a culture of value and acknowledgement. Understanding the importance of physical and mental health, the free zone also organises bi-weekly free sports events, encouraging employees to socialise, stay active, and recharge together. Driven by employee participation, new volunteer initiatives, sustainability projects, and community campaigns, the SPC Cares Corporate Social Responsibility programme has also added great value to the organisation. Following impactful actions like distributing iftar meals to those in need during Ramadan, SPC aims to become the first UAE free zone to integrate social impact as a core pillar of its employee experience and organisational identity. Globally connected business ecosystem SPC Free Zone is a globally connected business ecosystem hosting companies representing over 40 countries. Renowned for its specialised community of 1,500+ publishers and creators of educational and cultural content, it combines state-of-the-art facilities with an environment of innovation and sustainability. In late 2024, SPC Freezone launched the world's first AI-powered business licence, which can complete registration in under 5 minutes. This dual commitment to technological leadership and people-first values, as demonstrated by the latest certification from 'Great Place to Work,' makes SPC Free Zone a unique gateway for entrepreneurs and enterprises seeking growth in the UAE's thriving business economy.

Relevance is the real luxury
Relevance is the real luxury

Campaign ME

timea day ago

  • Campaign ME

Relevance is the real luxury

Luxury is no longer just a product – it's a cultural conversation. And in the Middle East, that conversation is evolving faster than ever before. Traditionally associated with exclusivity, status and craftsmanship, the luxury industry is now navigating a more complex world. Today's consumer, particularly in the GCC, is younger, digitally fluent and culturally aware. They are not just buying into a brand – they are buying into a set of values and experiences that reflect who they are or aspire to be, making relevance more critical than ever. This shift is prompting client-side marketers to ask important questions: What does luxury mean to the next generation? How do we build emotional connection while preserving brand mystique? And how can we remain aspirational in a region where attention is fleeting? Here are four key challenges – and priorities – that premium brands must address to stay relevant in this dynamic landscape. From exclusivity to cultural relevance The traditional codes of luxury – heritage, craftsmanship and rarity – still matter, but they're no longer enough. In the Middle East, where identity and self-expression are increasingly individualistic, brands must rethink what exclusivity looks like. Younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, value purpose over pedigree. They expect brands to stand for something meaningful and reflect the diversity of their lives. A brand that once built desire through scarcity may now find more success by creating culturally relevant limited editions or partnering with local artists who offer fresh perspectives. Our own journey reflects this evolution. Since 2021, we've repositioned the brand toward a more luxury direction through major rebranding – from retail and packaging updates to a refined colour palette and a clearer, purpose-led identity. These moves were more than cosmetic – they marked a strategic shift to align with changing consumer expectations. Cultural relevance also means showing up authentically. That's why we've launched regional campaigns around key moments like Ramadan and collaborated with talents such as Laila Abdullah, fostering emotional connection through local storytelling. Rethinking the retail experience Despite the digital shift, physical retail remains central in the Middle East. Malls are more than shopping centres – they're lifestyle hubs. Consumers want more than transactions; they seek immersive, personalised experiences. Luxury brands must reimagine retail as an experiential space. This includes seamless integration between digital and physical – apps with VIP concierge services, AR tools in fitting rooms and loyalty programmes offering exclusive access. 'Luxury marketing isn't just performance-driven; it's perception-driven.' We recently brought this to life with the global launch of our Arianna collection, which featured a high-impact event and a Burj Khalifa takeover. This wasn't just about buzz – it created a culturally relevant moment that reinforced brand positioning and drove awareness. However, many brands still struggle with fragmented omnichannel strategies. CRM systems aren't always aligned with local behaviours and store teams may lack the training to deliver high-touch service. Solving this isn't just about tech upgrades – it's a mindset shift toward holistic client engagement. Bridging the talent and execution gap Another challenge is the disconnect between global strategy and local execution. Headquarters may set the vision, but local teams are the ones who bring it to life in culturally meaningful ways. The problem? There's a shortage of senior marketing talent in the luxury space who can blend global brand thinking with regional nuance. Agencies, too, are often stretched thin, with roles focused more on adaptation than innovation. To overcome this, brands must invest in building empowered in-market teams – marketers who think strategically, not just tactically. At the same time, agency relationships must evolve into co-creative partnerships that go beyond execution. Tracking desirability, not just visibility In the world of luxury, success isn't just about being seen – it's about being desired. At Swarovski, desirability is one of our key metrics. While performance indicators like reach and engagement offer a snapshot of campaign visibility, they don't fully capture the strength of emotional connection or long-term brand equity. Especially in premium markets like the Middle East, it's not enough to generate noise – we need to cultivate aspiration. That's why regional teams must push for frameworks that assess brand love, emotional resonance and cultural relevance – factors that build true affinity over time. It's about understanding how our brand is perceived, how it makes people feel and how meaningfully we show up in their lives. Luxury marketing isn't just performance-driven; it's perception-driven. And that calls for deeper, more nuanced metrics that reflect lasting impact – not just campaign visibility. The way forward is relevance The Middle East is not just a luxury growth market – it's a trendsetter. With its young, affluent population and appetite for innovation, it's fertile ground for bold, thoughtful brands. But relevance won't come from repeating global playbooks. It requires listening deeply, acting nimbly and marketing with both heart and context. For client-side marketers, the task is clear: lead with empathy, localise with integrity and remember – in luxury, the smallest details often speak the loudest. By Sarah Dja Yahia, Head of Marketing ME, SEA and India, Swarovski

Formula One reveals calendar for 2026 season
Formula One reveals calendar for 2026 season

Al Etihad

time2 days ago

  • Al Etihad

Formula One reveals calendar for 2026 season

10 June 2025 12:29 BERLIN, GERMANY (dpa)Formula One and motorsports ruling body FIA revealed on Tuesday the calendar for the 2026 season with 24 season will start with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8 and conclude at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will again be held in April due to Ramadan taking place throughout February and March. The first European race will be the Monaco Grand Prix on June 7. Besides the race in Barcelona on June 14, Spain will also host the inaugural event in Madrid taking place on September Imola race, meanwhile, has been removed from the calendar after it failed to renew its contract. Italy will then host only the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September will have their summer break after the Hungarian Grand Prix on July 26 and return on August 23 at the Dutch Grand Prix.F1 is expected to continue with six sprint events in 2026, with three-day tests planned in Barcelona and Bahrain. The 2026 season will see two major changes in the sport. Cadillac will become the 11th team, bringing up the grid to 22 cars, while major regulations are to come into force - including new power units running 100% advanced sustainable fuels.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store