Under the directives of Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE Food Bank has launched its Ramadan campaign titled ‘Bank of Goodness in the Month of Giving’.
The campaign aims to provide eight million meals during the Holy Month of Ramadan. These meals will be prepared using surplus food and distributed to beneficiaries within the UAE and abroad. The initiative is part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, reinforcing the UAE’s strong commitment to humanitarian work.
Five Key Ramadan Initiatives
The campaign will be implemented through five main initiatives:
1. Charity Fridge
This initiative promotes community participation by placing refrigerators in residential areas in coordination with Knowledge and Human Development Authority. Individuals and organisations can donate surplus iftar and suhoor food safely and in an organised manner, helping reduce food waste.
2. My Home Without Waste
An awareness campaign encouraging families to reduce food waste at home. Through simple and practical tips shared by chef influencers, households are guided on smart food storage and reuse methods.
3. Meer Al Khair
This initiative distributes food parcels containing essential items to families in need. It supports food stability during Ramadan and promotes compassion and social solidarity.
4. Zabeel Iftar
The Food Bank will organise a collective iftar for workers at Zabeel Park. The event reflects generosity and social responsibility during Ramadan by providing complete meals in a supportive environment.
5. Recycle, Re-life
In partnership with the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative ‘Ne’ma’, the UAE Food Bank will collect surplus food from hotels. Edible food will be redistributed, while non-edible food will be converted into organic compost using the ReLoop application by Ecyclex. This initiative supports the circular economy and reduces carbon emissions.
Supporting Food Security and Sustainability
The campaign aligns with the UAE’s national priorities, including the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051. It aims to enhance food security, reduce waste, promote responsible consumption, and protect the environment.
Manal bin Yaroof, Head of the Executive Team at the UAE Food Bank, said the campaign reflects the UAE leadership’s vision to strengthen humanitarian work as a core national value. She added that generosity and solidarity are deeply rooted in Emirati society and that the initiative strengthens the UAE and Dubai’s position as leaders in global charitable efforts.
This year’s campaign focuses on expanding surplus food management through strong partnerships with public and private sectors. It also encourages community and volunteer participation in food collection, sorting, and distribution.
Through this integrated and sustainable system, the UAE Food Bank continues to create a lasting humanitarian and environmental impact both locally and internationally.
