UAE. The Dubai Duty Free Foundation has pledged AED20 million (US$5.45 million) towards the 1 Billion Meals Endowment campaign organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.
“Launched by [Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai] His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and coinciding with the month of Ramadan [22 March to 21 April], the 1 Billion Meals Endowment campaign is an inspiring new initiative that aims to provide sustainable food aid to underprivileged populations on a large scale. We are honoured for our Foundation to participate in the campaign’s endowment fund and to help alleviate the suffering of fellow humans,” said Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Colm McLoughlin. 
This campaign builds on the success of previous food aid campaigns, starting with 10 Million Meals campaign during Ramadan 2020, which exceeded its target and provided 15.3 million meals.
This was followed by 100 Million Meals campaign in Ramadan 2021, which doubled its target and distributed 220 million meals thanks to the contributions by 385,000 donators from over 51 nations. Later, 1 Billion Meals campaign launched in Ramadan 2022, reaching its target within a month, providing meals in 50 countries with the support of 320,868 donators.
McLoughlin remarked: “The UAE’s humanitarian and charity initiatives continue to gather momentum every year, with this year’s campaign fully demonstrating the country’s commitment to the global fight against hunger.” 
The campaign seeks to eradicate hunger around the world by providing a food safety net for the world’s most underprivileged populations, especially in countries struggling with food insecurity. It also aligns with efforts to realise the Zero Hunger goal, one of the most prominent UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.
At AED1 (US$0.27) for one meal, any individual or institution can contribute towards 1 Billion Meals Endowment through the campaign’s official website (also has details for bank transfer and donation via SMS), on the DubaiNow mobile application, or by calling the toll-free number 800 9999. ✈
