He said the Concept of Islamic Economy sought by Dubai to become the Islamic Capital “is not only confined to provision of Islamic Sharia compliant financial products, but also the food, intellectual and marketing products. Therefore the provision of relief food products in cooperation with specialised agencies adds another new dimension to the relief work, and to the Islamic Economy as well. Many institutions worldwide could be become part of this effort.” For his part, Sayed Agha, UN Secretary-General Representative in the UAE said the UAE initiative to dispatch 100, 000 meals to the displaced and refugees in Gaza Strip “boosts the UN and United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) efforts in an attempt to contain dire conditions of hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza.” He added that the UAE initiative is part and parcel of other UAE urgent relief initiatives in Gaza Strip, adding that the quality of food items sent by the UAE to Gaza meet the requirements there in terms of easy transport, proper storage and delivery.

Abdullah al-Wardat, Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) office in the UAE said that the urgent relief food programme launched by the UAE “represents and advanced stage in meeting urgent needs of those affected wherever they are. The delivered meals are rich with protein. With the use of facilities of International Humanitarian City (IHC) in Dubai, the programme will assist WFP to meet the relief requirements effectively, better and quickly.” Hussein Al-Qamzi, Chairman of Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, said the Salma initiative, compliant with the Islamic Sharia, has been launched in partnership between the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, and Noor Investment Group, with the aim to allow people send donations to those in need, while the profits resulting from the treatment of secondary products from cattle and livestock such as wool, leather and fat will go to the endowment to cover the administrative and process costs, as well as potential development of financial assets to provide food aid permanently. Therefore, through a single contribution from a donor, continuity of giving and reduction of waste can be maintained.

The Salma initiative, launched by Sheikh Mohammed to promote the Islamic rituals related to the sacrificial animals, seeks to increase the effectiveness of alms food to reach the largest possible number of people affected in a transparent, sustainable and cost-effective manner.

The packaging specifications of urgent relief food commensurate with the conditions of disasters and calamities. They are effective in terms of cost of production, lighter and easier to transport and deliver. The packages, which were originally developed for NASA, bear the harsh conditions, highly resistant to pressure, temperature and can be stored for up to three years without affecting the quality and freshness of the content.

Shaima Al Zarouni, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai International Humanitarian City, said that through its partnership in this unique initiative, Dubai strengthens its position as one of the largest humanitarian facilities in the world. The city’s location is best suited globally to provide urgent and emergency relief given its rapid aviation network that links Dubai to all world points in a few hours.

She stressed the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to make Dubai capital of the global humanitarian action, citing that “This vision has become a reality.”