Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Announces Completion Of 1 Billion Meals Humanitarian Project

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the completion of a humanitarian mission initiated in Ramadan 2022. This project aimed to deliver one billion meals to those in need globally. The initiative has now successfully distributed meals across 65 countries, with plans for an additional 260 million meals next year.

The 1 Billion Meals initiative is the largest food aid campaign in the region. It aims to provide nutritional support to underprivileged individuals, families, women, and children. This reflects the UAE's inclusive approach to humanitarianism by offering assistance without discrimination. The initiative builds on previous campaigns like "10 Million Meals" and "100 Million Meals" launched in 2020 and 2021.

Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), highlighted the role of community engagement and generous contributions from individuals and organisations across the UAE. He attributed the success of the initiative to these efforts, which have been instrumental in achieving its goals.

Al Gergawi emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships with UN agencies and regional organisations. These collaborations have enabled the delivery of one billion meals by July 2025, with a target of reaching 1.26 billion meals by the end of 2026. He stated, "We remain committed to strengthening our strategic partnerships locally, regionally and globally to support those most in need and create sustainable solutions to address food challenges."

The MBRGI's commitment extends beyond providing meals; it focuses on empowering communities to develop strategies against poverty and malnutrition. This aligns with their vision for sustainable development pursued by various UN agencies and partners. The initiative also supports projects that empower farmers and create jobs in food production sectors.

The 1 Billion Meals Endowment initiative was launched in 2023 as a sustainable food aid fund. This ensures long-term impact through continued meal distribution worldwide. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid expressed gratitude for fulfilling this promise: "We thank God for the ability to give... May God protect the UAE and its people."

Collaborations with UN Organisations

The initiative partnered with UN organisations through direct food aid avenues like distributing parcels, meals, supplements, smart vouchers, etc., alongside sustainable projects promoting self-sufficiency among individuals and families. Key partners include UN World Food Programme (WFP), UNHCR focusing on refugees, UNITLIFE supporting sustainable agriculture, FAO championing hunger eradication efforts.

The Food Banking Regional Network played a crucial role under direct food aid by distributing parcels through local banks. Life for Relief and Development provided aid to low-income families via parcel deliveries. The Emirates Food Bank focused on supporting low-income families within UAE borders.

Impactful Humanitarian Efforts

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment is a strategic partner distributing parcels both locally within UAE as well as internationally. MBRGI invested over AED2.2 billion impacting 149 million people across 118 countries in 2024 alone through five pillars: Humanitarian Aid & Relief; Healthcare & Disease Control; Spreading Education & Knowledge; Innovation & Entrepreneurship; Empowering Communities.

Launched in 2015 consolidating over thirty initiatives supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum over two decades—MBRGI focuses on underserved communities fostering hope addressing pressing global challenges particularly less fortunate regions investing human capital empowering individuals honing skills building qualified workforce driving development prioritising education combating poverty disease promoting tolerance coexistence.

With inputs from WAM