UAE’s “1 Billion Meals Endowment” raises US$140 mln in 15 days

DUBAI: The “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign, launched by the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to establish the largest Ramadan sustainable food aid endowment fund, has recorded total contributions of AED 514 million (US$140 million) after 15 days of its launch.
 
This generous sum was donated by 87,000 major contributors, individuals, businesses, and public and private sector institutions in a community-wide response that testifies to the culture of giving and generosity deeply rooted in the UAE, reported Emirates News Agency (WAM).
 
Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, noted that the “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign, which aims to provide a food safety net for underprivileged populations around the world, is a practical example of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision of alleviating the suffering of fellow humans, establishing the concept of sustainable generosity, and expanding the scope of charity and humanitarian efforts.
 
“The wide response to the campaign, recording AED 514 million from 87,000 donors in 15 days, is testament to the UAE community’s commitment to values of giving and solidarity, which represent an integral part of our culture,” he added.
 
The campaign builds on the achievements of previous food aid drives launched under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed over the past three years.
 
“10 Million Meals” in Ramadan 2020 was the first and largest show of solidarity of its kind, supporting victims of the COVID-19 pandemic within the UAE.
 
This was followed in Ramadan 2021 by the “100 Million Meals” campaign, which was the largest regional food support campaign spanning 20 countries in the Arab region, Africa, and Asia.
 
Last year’s “1 Billion Meals” was the largest of its kind regionally, providing 1 billion meals in 50 countries and furthering the UAE’s contribution to the global effort to eradicate hunger.
 
Amidst this growing response, the “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign continues to welcome donations and contributions to the endowment fund from institutions and individuals across five main channels, including the campaign’s website (www.1billionmeals.ae). – BERNAMA-WAM