UAE Food Bank distributes two million meals during Ramadan's first 10 days

12-03-2025

The UAE Food Bank distributed about two million meals during the first 10 days of Ramadan as part of the United in Giving campaign, which aims to dispatch seven million meals domestically and internationally throughout the holy month. The drive was launched last week under the directive of Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum, wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Media Office reported on Tuesday. 'United in Giving reflects the UAE's deeply rooted values of generosity and compassion,' said Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, vice chairman of the board of trustees of the UAE Food Bank. 'It serves as a call to action for individuals, institutions and philanthropists to contribute to the welfare of millions.' The campaign is being split into three strands, with one section – Blessing Baskets – focusing on distributing more than 200,000 meals each day in the form of food donations, parcels and surplus meals. Zabeel Iftar is a project providing meals for more than 3,000 workers, while Surplus of Good, a collaboration between the food bank and Fatafeat TV, is a campaign to educate the community on the need to repurpose food sustainably. Surplus cooked and uncooked food from hotels, restaurants, corporate donors and households will also be distributed to beneficiaries, said Manal bin Yaroof, head of the executive team at the UAE Food Bank. This is being carried out in co-ordination with charitable organisations and public and private sector partners to ensure food reaches those most in need. 'The Surplus of Good initiative is designed to inspire individuals and communities to rethink food consumption and embrace sustainable practices,' said Ms bin Yaroof. 'As part of this programme, 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.'

Hashtags

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Explore Your Story, Rediscover Your City

Web Release

17 hours ago

Web Release

Explore Your Story, Rediscover Your City

In a city built on ambition and awe, it is easy to forget how stillness feels. We rush through weeks, commute along the same roads, pass the same buildings, without noticing how much wonder is quietly waiting for us to look up, to look closer. But sometimes, wonder does not come from distance. It comes from rediscovery. Dubai Deira and the Gold District, long known for trade, tradition, and the daily rhythm of the city, may not be the first places that come to mind for a break. But that is exactly what makes them perfect for a staycation. They do not promise escape; they offer something gentler: a pause, a shift in perspective, a chance to see the city not as a resident rushing through it, but as a curious explorer. Today, the Accor properties across the Dubai Gold District stand ready to welcome guests looking to reconnect with the city in a new way. With rooms starting from AED 130, curated dining experiences from AED 100, and themed nights at Novotel Dubai Gold District from just AED 79, it's the perfect invitation to slow down, settle in, and explore a different side of Dubai. It begins simply. With a check-in, not a departure. A bag packed light, or not at all. A decision to pause without leaving. To see the familiar through unfamiliar eyes. Step inside any one of Accor's thoughtfully placed hotels at Dubai Gold District, Novotel, Mercure, ibis Styles, and the shift is almost immediate. The noise of the city fades into the background. The room greets you like a deep breath. Spacious. Quiet. A world away from everything, yet right where you are. Each hotel brings its own character. At Novotel Dubai Gold District, the skyline stretches beyond the windows. There is a stillness on the rooftop, where the Aqua Pool Bar becomes a place to float, both above the city and away from its urgency. Mercure Dubai Gold District offers an experience steeped in quiet elegance. From its curated interiors to the inviting calm of Metro Café, it is a place where even a mid-morning coffee feels like a ritual. And come evening, the view from Esperia Bistro & Rooftop Lounge is worth lingering over, a spread of Mediterranean dishes paired with golden-hour conversations. ibis Styles adds a pop of playfulness. Perfect for travellers who want function without fuss yet still appreciate colour and character. At Table 3, you will find a menu that travels across borders; Asian fusion, Indian classics, Arabic comfort food, all without leaving your seat. There is no itinerary here. No pressure to do or see everything. The day unfolds on your terms. It starts with artisan coffee and a quiet journal session at Wynd Café. Or breakfast in bed, curtains still drawn, as the sun seeps softly into the room. Eventually, the city begins to call. The Gold Souk, the Spice Souk, Abra rides that glide across the Creek like echoes from another time. Boats hum against water that has witnessed centuries. The scent of spices wafts through the breeze, pulling you forward. The past and present meet in quiet corners and narrow alleys. And yet, no matter how far you wander, it is comforting to know what is waiting when you return. Dinner unfolds slowly. No rush. At The Spicery, nestled inside Novotel, the view competes with the flavour. Grilled spices, slow-cooked mains, international favourites with bold accents, the kind of dishes that feel comforting, even when they are new. A perfectly lit table, conversation flowing as softly as the music. This is not just a meal. It is a memory being made. The next day unfolds gently, inviting you to slow down and embrace some much-needed wellness. Begin with Novotel Dubai Gold District's newly launched Rooftop Yoga Activity at the rooftop Aqua Pool Bar, held every Sunday, where the sunrise bathes the skyline in soft hues. Or simply start your morning by soaking in the scenic city view and the sunlight warms your soul, brightening your day. Afterwards, head to Farmstead at Mercure Dubai Deira for an organic, garden-fresh breakfast, prepared with ingredients sourced straight from the property's own garden. Begin your day's exploration of the city with a cup of rich, locally roasted, aroma-filled coffee from the souk market, right at the property, then hop on a ride to Deira City Centre or take a spontaneous detour through the vibrant streets of Karama. Each stop offers a new perspective, and every return to the hotel feels like stepping back into serenity. By late afternoon, you find yourself back at the pool, watching the skyline change colour. The city moves beneath you. You do not have to. From this rooftop perch, everything seems to breathe a little slower. You included. And if the weekend lingers, there is more to discover, the heritage waterfront of Al Seef, the architectural poetry of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, the artistic quiet of Jaddaf Waterfront. Places that feel far yet sit just minutes away. What makes a staycation like this special is not what you check off a list. It is what you allow yourself to feel- the calm, the curiosity, the reconnection. Not just with the city, but with yourself. Rooms start from AED 130. But the value? That is felt in moments, not receipts. In the way you exhale without thinking. In how the city begins to look different. In how you begin to feel a little more like yourself. Because sometimes, the most meaningful journeys do not take you far. They bring you home to your city, your rhythm, your story. This is the magic of a staycation.

Dubai economy grows 4% in Q1 2025 on strong sector performance

Filipino Times

17 hours ago

Filipino Times

Dubai economy grows 4% in Q1 2025 on strong sector performance

Dubai's economy expanded by 4% in the first quarter of 2025, reaching Dh119.7 billion ($32.6 billion), driven by gains across key industries, the Dubai Media Office said. Human health and social work recorded the fastest year-on-year growth at 26% to Dh1.9 billion. Wholesale and retail trade remained the largest contributor to the emirate's GDP, rising 4.5% to Dh27.5 billion and accounting for nearly a quarter of total output. Real estate activity increased 7.8% to about Dh9 billion, supported by strong market momentum. In the first half of the year, Dubai registered 125,538 property transactions worth around Dh431 billion, up 25% in value and 26% in volume from the same period in 2024, with over 59,000 new investors entering the market. Financial and insurance services grew 5.9% to Dh16 billion, manufacturing rose 3.3% to Dh8.7 billion, and accommodation and food services increased 3.4% to Dh4.9 billion. Transport and storage added 2% to GDP at Dh15.7 billion, while information and communications climbed 3.2% to Dh5.3 billion. Dubai welcomed 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, a 6% increase from last year, maintaining its position as a leading global tourism hub. According to the media office, trade, real estate, financial services, transport, and manufacturing collectively accounted for about 78% of total growth. Hadi Badri, chief executive of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, said the results underscore Dubai's global appeal at a time when investors seek stability. The emirate continues to push initiatives to attract foreign investment, foster innovation, and support the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which targets doubling the economy to Dh32 trillion in the next decade. The wider UAE economy grew 4% in 2024 to Dh1.776 trillion, driven by the non-oil sector. The World Bank now forecasts the country's GDP to rise 4.6% in 2025, while Emirates NBD expects Dubai's growth to accelerate to 3.7% on the back of major public and private sector projects.

Web Release

18 hours ago

Web Release

Udemy Launches AI-Powered Platform in Arabic, Fueling Skills Acceleration Across the Middle East

Udemy (Nasdaq: UDMY), a leading AI-powered skills acceleration platform, announced the recent launch of its platform in Arabic. This milestone reflects the global technology company's continued expansion across the Middle East, reinforcing Udemy's mission to empower learners and organizations worldwide with the skills they need to stay ahead in the age of AI. Spoken by more than 300 million people in various dialects, Arabic is one of the world's most widely used languages. The newly localized Udemy platform offers an enhanced user experience in Arabic, enabling organizations and professionals across the Middle East and North Africa region to upskill and reskill in high-growth, emerging roles. In the past year, over one million learners have enrolled in more than 7,000 Arabic-language courses from Udemy's Multi-Language Collection, covering a diverse range of topics from AI and cloud computing to communication and leadership. 'At Udemy, we believe language should never be a barrier to professional growth,' said Hugo Sarrazin, President and CEO of Udemy. 'Localizing our platform in Arabic strengthens our ability to serve our growing customer base across the region with culturally relevant, high-quality reskilling experiences. With this launch, we're helping unlock new opportunities for workforce development, product innovation, and business growth throughout the Arabic-speaking world.' 'With Udemy's platform now available in Arabic, professionals in the region can seamlessly access high-quality, locally relevant learning experiences,' said Dr. Ryan Ahmed, Udemy instructor, CEO of Stemplicity, and Assistant Professor at McMaster University. 'This advancement not only removes language barriers but also empowers Arabic-speaking professionals and leaders to build critical skills with greater confidence, speed, and cultural resonance.' Dr. Ahmed's course, Artificial Intelligence from Beginner to Professional, is available in Arabic to enterprise customers and learners on the Udemy platform.