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the Bank’s plans for the holy month of Ramadan, highlighting the critical role of

cooperation between all food enterprises. “The Bank will work with these partners to
gather three million meals, which will be transported to the Bank and then sent outside
the UAE in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent. Hotels and Iftar tents will also

play a vital role in collecting any surplus food, and authorities will work together to
identify the optimal time and location to deliver this food to the Bank and charitable
organisations. By delivering high-quality food and preventing food waste through the
integrated management of surplus food in all phases of gathering and distribution, the
Bank’s initiatives aim to raise awareness about the importance of reducing food waste
and ensuring optimal distribution, contributing to the global fight against hunger,” she
said.

Bin Yaarouf also emphasised the crucial role of engagement with the private sector,
highlighting the Bank’s plans to strengthen its collaboration with recycling businesses
that convert food unfit for human consumption into oils and agricultural fertilisers to
support sustainability and protect the environment. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s
commitment to sustainability and the declaration of 2023 as the Year of Sustainability by
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

Your Harees on us

Bin Yaarouf added that the Bank launched the ‘Your Harees on us’ initiative in
collaboration with Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department to

promote social responsibility and volunteering among community members. “The
initiative encourages restaurants to reserve at least one portion of Harees, a traditional
Emirati dish, and distribute it to Iftar tents. This initiative aims to foster the values of
giving and generosity,” she said.

The UAE Food Bank will oversee various aspects of the ‘Your Harees on us’ initiative,
including selecting the primary volunteering restaurants, setting the guidelines and
schedule for the distribution of Harees meals, and recruiting volunteers. Moreover, the
Bank will collaborate with Iftar tents to arrange the delivery of the meals, establish a
process for families who wish to contribute to the project to donate and ensure that the
meals reach those in need of them.

Raising Awareness

The UAE Food Bank and Ne’ma, the national initiative to reduce food loss and wastage,
have collaborated on an initiative to enhance community awareness, education, and
empowerment in making better decisions regarding food consumption. The project also
aims to promote sustainable practices that demonstrate social responsibility and

https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2023/March/22-03/UAE-Food-Bank-launches-initiative-to-
distribute-3-million-meals