In a powerful gesture of solidarity, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives has launched a community initiative aimed at preparing over 10 million meals for the residents of Gaza. This initiative, supporting the humanitarian ship “Mohammed bin Rashid,” is designed to alleviate the suffering of those in the region amidst challenging circumstances. The initiative operates in conjunction with the Al-Faris Al-Shahim 3 operation launched by the United Arab Emirates to aid the Palestinian people and address urgent needs in the sector.
The Foundation invites all members of the UAE community to volunteer and participate in meal preparation during an event scheduled for December 7 at the Dubai Exhibition Center during Expo. More information can be found on their website: www.MBRship.ae.
Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, stated, “The Mohammed bin Rashid humanitarian ship embodies the message of the UAE and its leadership about limitless giving. We believe that solidarity can transform pain into hope, and alleviating the suffering of those in need represents a driving force towards a better life for all.”
Al Gergawi emphasized that the UAE continues its humanitarian policy under wise leadership to support the Palestinian people. He expressed confidence that the significant participation expected in this campaign will sincerely provide millions of opportunities for a dignified life for the displaced in Gaza and put smiles on the faces of thousands of children.
This new community campaign to prepare the “Mohammed bin Rashid humanitarian ship” follows prior efforts by the initiative’s foundation to support the Palestinian brethren in Gaza. Earlier in January 2024, it announced a contribution of 43 million AED (approximately 11.7 million USD) in direct food assistance benefiting one million people in partnership with the World Food Program.
The announcement about direct food aid in January 2024 continued a long-standing tradition of giving, as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, had directed in 2023 to provide urgent assistance to the Palestinian people amounting to 50 million AED through the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. Additionally, in September 2024, “Dubai Humanitarian” delivered an urgent relief shipment to Gaza via the Egyptian port of Arish, which included 71.6 tons of essential medical supplies.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives pledged in January 2024 to allocate around 37 million AED (10 million USD) to support the healthcare sector in Gaza, ensuring access to vital medical supplies, especially for children.
In total, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives has spent over 2.2 billion AED in 2024, benefiting approximately 149 million people across 118 countries, focusing on five main pillars: humanitarian aid, healthcare, education, innovation, and community empowerment.
During 2024, the total expenditure on humanitarian assistance exceeded 944 million AED, benefiting more than 37 million individuals worldwide. The foundation undertook numerous initiatives, programs, and campaigns that provided humanitarian aid and emergency relief materials to affected areas during crises and disasters, while also launching sustainable development projects in collaboration with regional and international organizations.
Last year, the volume of aid and relief materials transported and distributed with the support of Dubai Humanitarian amounted to 1,255 tons, benefiting approximately 3.7 million individuals from various countries. Established in 2015, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives serves as an umbrella for multiple projects and organizations supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, rallying around humanitarian and developmental efforts aimed primarily at underprivileged and marginalized communities.
Through this extensive network of over 30 initiatives and institutions, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives addresses various sectors, focusing on less fortunate countries and vulnerable populations in fragile communities.