UAE Food Bank launches ‘United in Giving’ for 7M Ramadan meals
Emirates initiative promotes sustainable food management, reduces waste, and supports communities in need
UAE Food Bank Launches ‘United in Giving’ to Provide 7 Million Meals This Ramadan
Dubai, 5 March 2025 – The UAE Food Bank has launched the ‘United in Giving’ initiative to distribute seven million meals during the month of Ramadan, ensuring that food reaches those in need and fostering a culture of sustainability and generosity.
Held under the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the initiative is part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. The ‘United in Giving’ initiative places a strong emphasis on fostering a culture of responsible food management, waste reduction and community-driven charitable efforts.
Key Features of ‘United in Giving’
The initiative is divided into three main programs:
Blessing Baskets – distributes over 200,000 meals daily through food donations, parcels and surplus food collection.
Zabeel Iftar – Ensures that more than 3,000 workers receive Iftar meals each day.
Surplus of Good – A collaborative effort with Fatafeat TV that educates the public on how to creatively and efficiently utilize surplus food, with content available in Arabic, English, Amharic, Indonesian, and Urdu.
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UAE Food Bank, highlighted that the initiative reflects the UAE’s values of generosity and compassion. He encouraged individuals, businesses, and philanthropists to contribute, noting that beyond providing meals, the initiative plays a key role in sustainability and minimizing food waste.
Increasing Cooperation for Long-Term Effects
Food for the “Blessing Baskets” initiative will come from a range of sources, including retail establishments, eateries, lodging facilities, manufacturers, and private citizens, according to Manal bin Yaroof, Head of the Executive Team at the UAE Food Bank. The bank will collaborate closely with partners in the public and private sectors to guarantee efficient and successful distribution.
The “Surplus of Goodness” campaign also aims to raise public awareness of creative and sustainable eating habits. Through engaging digital content, people will learn effective techniques to transform excess food into healthy food, contributing to a larger global effort to reduce food waste.
As part of its long-term objectives, the UAE Food Bank intends to negotiate 12 strategic partnerships with government agencies, non-profits, partners in the food sector, and private donors. The bank’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes cutting food waste, starting major humanitarian initiatives, and assisting with national sustainability goals, is enhanced by these partnerships.
Since Ramadan is a time for reflection and giving, the UAE’s “Unity in Giving” campaign exemplifies its dedication to social cohesion, food security, and environmental care.
