UAE MEALS CAMPAIGN REACHES Dh750m IN 20 DAYS

▶ One Billion Meals Endowment aims to provide long-term, sustainable aid

The UAE’s One Billion Meals Endowment campaign has raised Dh750 million ($204 million) in its first 20 days, officials said.

Launched before Ramadan by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the food drive aims to raise funds that will support a long-term, sustainable approach to helping those in need all over the world.

The Dh750 million achieved so far has come via 120,000 donations from people, institutions and businesses, officials said on Thursday.

Instead of the donations being spent directly on food parcels, the money will be placed in endowment funds from which returns will be used to help feed the needy.

The aim is to ensure the principal sum grows steadily, allowing vital aid to be delivered for years to come.

Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, said the campaign showed the enduring generosity of people in the UAE.

“Raising a total of Dh750 million from 120,000 contributors in 20 days is a true reflection of the principles of social solidarity, opening new horizons for charity work that addresses the needs of underprivileged populations around the world, which is among the key objectives of the UAE’s humanitarian initiatives,” he said.

Previous campaigns in recent years have included the 10 Million Meals in Ramadan 2020, followed in 2021 by the 100 Million Meals campaign.

At the time, this was the largest regional food support campaign, spanning 20 countries in the Arab region, Africa and Asia.

Last year’s One Billion Meals campaign broke the 2021 record – this time providing meals to people in 50 countries.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives foundation said the latest aid effort was in response to a “growing food gap”, exacerbated by the pandemic, global conflicts and climate change.

“The foundation is working on formulating a global vision to bridge the growing food gap, and its aim is to provide a food safety net for less fortunate groups around the world,” the philanthropic initiative said.

The campaign was given a significant boost from the recent Most Noble Numbers auction in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

In Dubai, the auction raised nearly Dh100 million – which included a record Dh55 million price paid for the number 7 number plate.

Also on offer were 21 prized phone numbers, which raised more than Dh6 million.

In Abu Dhabi, an online auction raised more than Dh71 million for the fund.

This week-long online charity auction, organised by Abu Dhabi Police in collaboration with Emirates Auction, featured 555 special Abu Dhabi registration plate numbers.

The One Billion Meals campaign website has details of several options for donors.

Pledges can be made online, either monthly or through a one-off payment. Donations can also be made by text messages through Etisalat or Du, using the DubaiNow app or through a bank transfer.

For large donations and related inquiries, contact the campaign team on 800 9999.