Following the widespread success of the initiative, Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) has announced the second phase of the Meals of Hope campaign, which was launched last Ramadan in cooperation with food delivery platform Zomato. As many as 3,189 free-of-charge meals were distributed in Al Quoz area of Dubai during the Holy Month of Ramadan alone.

The second phase of the project will extend IACAD’s commitment to charitable activities and reach all segments of the society, thus covering the entire emirate of Dubai. The first phase was specifically focused on Al Quoz area. According to the statistics issued by IACAD, the total value of contributions to the initiative reached AED384,042 during Ramadan.

H.E. Dr. Hamad bin Al Shaikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, Director General of Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, highlighted the department’s keenness to undertake charitable activities throughout the year, and not just during the Holy month of Ramadan. This initiative underscores the culture of compassion and tolerance that characterizes the UAE community in general and Dubai in particular. The target group of this initiative now includes all residents of the emirate, from different religions, beliefs and nationalities.

Mohammed Musabeh Ali Dhahi, Director of the Charity Department at Dubai IACAD pointed to the successful popularity of the initiative during its first phase in the Holy Month of Ramadan. He also mentioned that the campaign successfully supported and promoted community initiatives in Dubai, and forged partnerships with various departments and institutions operating in the public and private sectors in the emirate. He added that IACAD will continue to work with its partners to enhance the initiative further, expand the base of beneficiaries and increase the number of participating restaurants.

In the near future, IACAD will work with its partners to further develop the initiative, expand the beneficiary base, and increase the number of participating restaurants. Under phase two 43,000 meals will be delivered to 36 locations in Dubai, including Al Quoz 1, 2, 3 and 4; Al Qusais 1, 2 and 3; Al Muhaisnah 1 and 2; Jebel Ali and Expo 2020. This is part of IACAD’s cooperation with Zomato, Dulsco and the Permanent Committee of Labours’ Affairs-Dubai PCLAD.

Meals of Hope is the first initiative of its kind in the UAE to provide meals to the underprivileged through a digital platform, enabling them to request food from a group of selected restaurants directly through Zomato. The diversity of restaurant options involved in the campaign and IACAD’s direct supervision on the implementation of the initiative ensures that participating restaurants comply with the specified standards and that the quality of food provided to beneficiaries is effectively managed.

The e-nature of the Meals of Hope initiative helps the donors save time and effort as they can pay the price of the meal directly through Zomato quickly and easily. Beneficiaries can order meals through the same platform using the “IACAD” code after completing the order process and selecting their meal from one of the participating restaurants.

The Meals of Hope digital initiative has reduced the need to provide ground observers for charitable activities, as well as reducing the need for municipal fees, DEWA fees or other fees and expenses associated with traditional initiatives to provide food to the underprivileged. This campaign is part of a wide range of initiatives that Dubai IACAD is working on during the Year of Tolerance to reinforce the values of unity, cooperation and compassion among the community in Dubai.