Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai, the Community Development Authority has announced the launch of the second annual edition of its community initiative “Kharayef Al Rutab”, under the slogan “From Our Palm Trees to Our People”. The initiative aims to revive the heritage associated with the summer season and distribute local agricultural produce to targeted families.
Broader participation from government entities
This year’s campaign sees the participation of leading government bodies to support the system led by the authority, most notably the UAE Food Bank, Dubai Municipality and the Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Centre. The campaign aims to distribute boxes of dates to more than 5,000 targeted families, with the involvement of 1,000 Emirati volunteers and in cooperation with national farms, contributing to the goals of Dubai Social Agenda 33 and strengthening social cohesion.
Strengthening sustainable community partnerships
Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, said the launch of the initiative under the slogan “From Our Palm Trees to Our People” reinforces the authority’s leading role in enabling sustainable community partnerships.
She confirmed that the authority’s continued organisation and launch of this initiative reflects its pivotal role in empowering sustainable community partnerships.
She added: “We are proud to be pioneering this national initiative, and we welcome this year the integration of efforts and the participation of our partners from government entities. We are using our network of community councils as the main umbrella to deliver الخير to those entitled to it and deepen national identity and authenticity among generations.”
An initiative that supports food security and local farms
For his part, Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UAE Food Bank, said: “The ‘Kharayef Al Rutab’ initiative embodies the vision of the UAE Food Bank in transforming seasons of goodness and generosity in our society into sustainable development initiatives that enhance food security and promote the optimal use of food resources. We are keen to participate in distinctive initiatives that combine the preservation of Emirati heritage and the promotion of the values of social solidarity, through building effective partnerships with government entities, farmers and volunteers, contributing to delivering الخير to those who deserve it, reducing food waste, supporting national farms, and consolidating Dubai’s position as a global model in sustainability and humanitarian work.”
He added: “The initiative represents a practical model of integrating roles among different components of society, as seasonal agricultural produce is transformed into a sustainable community impact that reflects positively on beneficiary families, enhances volunteer participation, supports the local economy, and confirms that sustainability begins with the wise use of resources and the promotion of a culture of giving, in line with the UAE’s vision of building a more cohesive and sustainable society.”
Activities throughout the date harvest season
The activities will begin and be managed entirely in community councils throughout the date season, and will include awareness activities highlighting the importance of the palm tree in Emirati culture.
حصة بنت عيسى بوحميد:
• Launching the initiative under the slogan “From Our Palm Trees to Our People” reinforces the authority’s leading role in enabling sustainable community partnerships.
مروان بن غليطة:
• The initiative embodies the UAE Food Bank’s vision of transforming seasons of goodness and generosity in our society into sustainable development initiatives that enhance food security.
• 1000 متطوع مواطن يشاركون في توزيع صناديق الرطب على الأسر المستهدفة بالتعاون مع المزارع الوطنية.
