Record-breaking Success: 216 Million Meals Secured in UAE 100 Million Meals Campaign
Record-breaking Success: 216 Million Meals Secured in UAE 100 Million Meals Campaign: The conclusion of the 100 Million Meals campaign in the UAE was marked by an extraordinary achievement, as announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The campaign, which aimed to provide 100 million meals during Ramadan, surpassed expectations by securing a staggering 216 million meals for vulnerable communities in 30 countries across four continents.
The unprecedented success of the region's largest food distribution drive was made possible through the generous contributions of 385,000 individuals, corporations, businessmen, and philanthropists from 51 countries. Donations were received through various channels, including two charity auctions. The funds raised will support the distribution of food parcels, equivalent to 216 million meals, to those in need across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.
Already, low-income families, orphans, widows, and parents of refugee children in multiple countries have initiated the preparation of nutritious meals, thanks to the collaborative efforts of local and international partners involved in the distribution process.
The distribution of food parcels, containing essential and easily storable food items, is set to continue over the next three months to reach beneficiaries in the 30 designated countries. Notably, every AED1 donated facilitated the provision of one meal in the recipient countries. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized that the overwhelming community engagement and substantial turnout of donors reaffirm the UAE's standing as a global hub of philanthropy.
Reflecting on the campaign's ambitious objectives, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated, "The record donations and support to the '100 Million Meals' campaign is a testament that strategic and sustainable humanitarian work has become an established culture in the UAE." He underscored the campaign's significant success in showcasing that humanitarian efforts in the UAE know no bounds.
The campaign, organized by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), collaborated with 12 food banks and nine humanitarian and charitable organizations to ensure the delivery of food aid to underserved homes in targeted countries.
The 28-day campaign garnered support from various segments of society, including the art community, car enthusiasts, prominent businessmen, and both government and private entities. Website and SMS donations contributed 20 million meals, while the private sector alone played a crucial role in providing 70 million meals.
Highlighting the broader impact, the campaign not only met its initial goal within the first 10 days but also continued to receive substantial donations thereafter. Launched in response to the increased challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ramadan campaign aimed to create a food safety net for disadvantaged communities, offering them the prospect of a dignified life.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of MBRGI, expressed his satisfaction with the overwhelming success of the campaign, emphasizing the deep connection of the UAE community and institutions with the humanitarian initiatives spearheaded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Al Gergawi commended the collaborative efforts of charitable and humanitarian organizations, stating, "The harmonious teamwork between all partners – from international stakeholders to local entities and individuals – was key to exceeding the campaign’s goals." He highlighted that the collective contributions have established a crucial food safety net for disadvantaged communities across continents.
The success of the '100 Million Meals' campaign was further amplified by two charity auctions— the International Charity Art Auction and the 'Most Noble Numbers' charity auction. These auctions offered a unique opportunity for philanthropists and art enthusiasts to acquire rare artworks and exclusive items while contributing to the food aid initiative.
The MBRGI-led campaign partnered with organizations such as the United Nations World Food Programme, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, the Food Banking Regional Network, and local charitable organizations to ensure the delivery of easy-to-store parcels to the doorstep of those in need.
The impact of the campaign extended beyond national borders, with food aid reaching beneficiaries in 30 countries, including Palestine, Somalia, Yemen, Tunisia, Jordan, Lebanon, Sierra Leone, and many others. The campaign received a fatwa from Dr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Haddad, Grand Mufti and Director of the Ifta Department of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, permitting the payment of cash forms of zakat to purchase food parcels.
Media coverage of the '100 Million Meals' campaign was extensive, with 136.1 million views and 350 million views for campaign videos. Over 4,000 news articles and features in local, regional, and international media outlets highlighted the diverse contributions and detailed food distribution operations in various countries.
Established in 2015, MBRGI, the organizer of the '100 Million Meals' campaign, oversees over 30 humanitarian and developmental initiatives. The campaign aligns with the foundation's Humanitarian Aid and Relief pillar, one of its five operational pillars that also cover Healthcare and Disease Control, Spreading Education and Knowledge, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Empowering Communities.
The '100 Million Meals' campaign builds upon the success of the '10 Million Meals' campaign launched in Ramadan 2020 to provide food support to groups impacted by COVID-19 within the UAE. In closing, the campaign stands as a testament to the UAE's commitment to global efforts in combating world hunger and malnutrition, showcasing the nation's core values of solidarity and philanthropy.