Coronavirus: Dubai charities come together to deliver 30,000 meals to needy residents

Vital aid was offered to people hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic

Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, executive director of the charitable work sector at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

Charitable organisations in Dubai have joined forces to deliver vital support to communities hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

Volunteers came together in a show of solidarity to distribute more than 31,500 meals to needy residents in Naif, Satwa, Hatta, Jebel Ali and Al Warsan.

As well as posing a huge risk to public health, the spread of Covid-19 has dealt a significant financial blow to many people across the Emirates.

The temporary closure of many non-essential businesses has led to lay-offs and salary cuts for some workers, prompting the crucial need for a helping hand to be extended in tumultuous times.

The Community Solidarity Fund Against Covid-19 was set up by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department to ensure a lifeline was offered to those impacted the most by the global outbreak.

The fund aims to work in partnership with government departments, charity associations and generous members of the public to mitigate the economic, social and health challenges ahead.

Charities that distributed food included Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, Beit Al Khair Society, Dar Al Ber Society and Tarahum Charity Foundation.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment distributed 1,500 meals to workers in the Al Warsan area.

The organisation also provided essential supplies to 500 workers in the Jebel Ali area. Dar Al Ber Society delivered more than 9,200 meals in various areas in Dubai.

A total of 8,229 meals were distributed by Beit Al Khair Society in Hatta, Jebel Ali, Naif and Satwa while Tarahum Charity Foundation sent out 12,635 meals in the Naif area.

Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, executive director of the charitable work sector at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, praised the support extended by charitable organisations in Dubai to the Community Solidarity Fund Against COVID-19.

“The humanitarian assistance to people affected by the current circumstances provides them relief and a sense of stability. Contributions like these reflect the UAE’s ethos of providing aid to everyone without discrimination,” Al-Muhairi said.

Many segments of society have supported the Community Solidarity Fund Against COVID-19 since its launch, he noted.

_____________

Gallery: Coronavirus in the Middle East

_____________

Al Muhairi also acknowledged the efforts of community members in mobilising signficant resources to help affected individuals.

The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department supervised the distribution of meals to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.