Azizi Developments, a leading private developer in the UAE, formally launched work on a 200-million-dirham project to build the ‘One Billion Meals Dates Factory’ in Dubai, a major humanitarian project under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).  At a special groundbreaking event held today at the project site in Margham, Mr Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Developments, was joined by His Excellency Saeed Al Eter, CEO of the MBRGI, to mark this special occasion.

This launch event follows the announcement on 24 April 2026 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, about this humanitarian initiative as a flagship investment of the MBRGI.  The One Billion Meals Dates Factory is set to become the largest endowment-based manufacturing facilities of its kind, producing 150 million date-based food units annually, with its entire output dedicated to food aid for underserved communities worldwide.  Azizi Developments’ contribution to this valuable humanitarian project is a donation worth 200 million dirhams towards the factory’s construction.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr Mirwais Azizi said:

“The UAE has always led by example when it comes to global philanthropy and humanitarian aid, and this initiative is a powerful expression of that leadership.  We at Azizi Developments are proud to have contributed to MBRGI’s initiatives in the past and to do so for this great project today.  I believe the private sector has a responsibility to act as a force multiplier and stand behind valuable initiatives of this nature”.

Projected to be completed by 2027, construction work of the Dates Factory will encompass the entire permanent physical structure, spanning 193,000 square feet of built-up area, rising to a height of 18.2 metres.

The dates factory’s output will include high-quality date-based products fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, designed to meet the nutritional needs of vulnerable populations. At full operational capacity, the factory will employ more than 800 people and support the full production cycle from raw material intake to finished goods distribution. Dates will be sourced exclusively from UAE farms, supporting the country’s palm cultivation sector and ensuring that supply chain remains locally grounded.