UAE raises more than Dh1 billion in Ramadan food campaign

The UAE’s One Billion Meals Endowment campaign has raised more than Dh1 billion ($272.3 million) to help tackle global hunger. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced yesterday that Dh1.075 billion has been donated by more than 180,000 people, businesses and institutions during Ramadan.

The campaign was launched by Sheikh Mohammed on the eve of Ramadan and aims to provide a sustainable framework to help those in need.

The UAE has called on members of the public to pledge their support for the humanitarian mission. Sheikh Mohammed has pledged Dh250 million to the initiative, helping to push the total beyond the milestone Dh1 billion mark.

“Ramadan is a special time in the UAE thanks to the acts of kindness it encourages, to the people of this nation and to the noble values instilled in us by the late Sheikh Zayed,” said Sheikh Mohammed, in comments carried by state news agency Wam.

“The UAE stands strong because of its charity efforts and because of the prayers of millions of people who benefit from them.

“Endowments is a great tradition that we aim to continue, to ensure the sustainability of giving and generosity.

“The endowment will always be open to contributions as we encourage more people to be part of this food aid initiative.

“We give our thanks to everyone who contributed to the largest ongoing charity in the UAE.”

Significant funds were also raised through charitable number plate auctions held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

One bidder paid a record Dh55 million to secure the exclusive number 7 number plate at an auction held in Dubai that raised about Dh100 million.

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

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