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

Khaleej Times

05-03-2025

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.