Ramadan 2022: Khalaf Al Habtoor donates Dh10m to One Billion Meals campaign

Contribution will cover cost of essential food items

The campaign aims to help the vulnerable in 50 countries, supporting efforts to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 2 to end hunger by 2030.

The One Billion Meals campaign organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives has started distributing food in Lebanon, India, Jordan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. All photos: Wam

Food parcels containing staples such as flour, rice, oil, sugar, and dates are being given to needy people in the five countries.

Children smile for the camera after getting their food boxes from the UAE.

Food boxes are being delivered to people's homes.

Khalaf Al Habtoor, chairman of Al Habtoor Group, has donated Dh10 million ($2,722,570) to the One Billion Meals campaign.

The contribution will cover the cost of essential food items.

“I find it shocking that in the 21st-century hundreds of millions are still dying from starvation. We all have a duty to help eliminate such evils according to our means,” Mr Al Habtoor said.

“We have long invested in good causes for the betterment of humanity without differentiating between the beneficiaries’ nationality, religion or skin colour. And I am grateful [that] I am able to contribute to the One Billion Meals.

“Every little effort brings us closer to achieving the target. We must all actively contribute to this national mission in gratitude to God Almighty for all the goodness he has bestowed on us.”

On Friday, retailer Jumbo Group also donated Dh1m to support the initiative.

On April 3, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment donated Dh20m ($5.44 billion) to the campaign.

Food packages from the campaign containing staples such as flour, rice, oil, sugar and dates will be distributed to needy people around the world.

UAE authorities have already started distributing the food packages in Lebanon, India, Jordan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

The initiative, announced last month, encourages people to donate money to the needy and will continue until its target of distributing one billion meals is met.

The campaign aims to help vulnerable people in 50 countries, supporting efforts to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goal of ending hunger by 2030.

The One Billion Meals initiative is an extension of the 100 Million Meals campaign, which was launched during Ramadan 2021. At the time, it distributed 220 million meals in 47 countries — double its initial target.

During Ramadan 2020, a 10 Million Meals campaign supported communities hit by Covid-19 across the UAE.

How to donate

The One Billion Meals campaign website has details of several options for donors.

Money can be pledged online through monthly or one-off donations. Donations can also be sent by SMS message through Etisalat or du, or via bank transfer.

For big donations and related inquiries, contact the campaign team at 800 9999.