This country is home to a wide range of restaurants and appetising eateries. But the sad reality is that many lower-income residents cannot afford to dine out even occasionally. Now, consider what is being done to alleviate this hardship.
As The National reported yesterday, two restaurants in Khalidiya – Kiwi Cafeteria and Moulouk Al Shawarma – are offering free meals to those who cannot afford to dine out. The 31-year-old Emirati owner of both establishements, who wishes to remain anonymous, says the poor are free to pick any meal they wish from the menu. No proof of financial hardship is required.
There is something endearing about this informal offer that relies on trust and honesty. It’s this culture of quiet giving that feeds into the reputation of this country as place of great charity and compassion – as also evidenced on the international stage by the efforts to eradicate polio.