100 Million Meals: donations flood in as UAE approaches 90 per cent of target

More than 86 million meals secured thanks to public generosity

Food distribution has already begun in Jordan, Pakistan and Egypt as part of the ‘100 Million Meals’ campaign that aims to support disadvantaged communities across 20 countries during the holy month of Ramadan. WAM

The UAE has funded more than 100 million free meals in 20 countries across the region during Ramadan. Pictured are youngsters in Egypt. All photos by Wam

The National

Apr 21, 2021

The UAE's humanitarian drive to deliver 100 million meals to needy people across the region is fast approaching its lofty goal.

More than Dh86.8 million has been donated since the 100 Million Meals campaign was launched on Sunday, April 11, beforeRamadan.

Every Dh1 donated helps to provide one meal in one of 20 countries across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the initiative would offer crucial assistance to the 52 million people in the Middle East and North Africa region who are undernourished.

Chefs at a restaurant in Deira prepare food for a labour accommodation camp on May 1, 2020, two months after the pandemic hit, leading to job losses and a global economic slowdown. This year, Dubai's 10 million meals campaign will expand to 100 million meals in 20 countries in the region. Pawan Singh / The National

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"We will work with humanitarian associations, companies, businessmen and philanthropists in the UAE to send 100 million messages of goodness and love to the needy and the poor in the month of goodness," he said on Twitter.

"Distributing food is the best thing to do to bring us close to the month of fasting."

A website set up for the campaign allows people to donate as little as Dh10 to fund 10 meals, rising to Dh500 or more.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, which organised the 100 Million Meals campaign, joinedinternational and local partners in each beneficiary country to deliver the parcels.

Poor families, refugees, orphans and widows in Jordan, Egypt and Pakistan started receiving ingredients that will help them to prepare meals throughout the holy month.

Donations poured in from far and wide, from businesses and high-profile figures to caring members of the public, to provide help where it is needed most.

How to serve up support

UAE residents and citizens can donate through the phone providers Etisalat and Du.

To donate, text the word “meal” to the following numbers:

1034 for a Dh10 contribution

1035 for a Dh50 contribution

1036 for a Dh100 contribution

1037 for a Dh300 contribution

1038 for a Dh500 contribution

Larger donations can be made via the campaign’s call centre on 800 4999.