• The aid programme, the largest in the region, is launched by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. All photos: MBRGI
    The aid programme, the largest in the region, is launched by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. All photos: MBRGI
  • The initiative supports the underprivileged and hungry across 50 countries.
    The initiative supports the underprivileged and hungry across 50 countries.
  • Vulnerable groups, such as children, refugees, displaced people and victims of disasters, are given priority while allocating the aid.
    Vulnerable groups, such as children, refugees, displaced people and victims of disasters, are given priority while allocating the aid.
  • More donors can join the campaign through the official website www.1billionmeals.ae.
    More donors can join the campaign through the official website www.1billionmeals.ae.
  • The initiative works in co-ordination with key global aid missions, including the UN World Food Programme.
    The initiative works in co-ordination with key global aid missions, including the UN World Food Programme.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid thanks volunteers ahead of World Humanitarian Day


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On the eve of World Humanitarian Day, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has thanked the thousands of volunteers that have played a part in helping people in need around the world on behalf of the UAE.

In a tweet on Thursday, Sheikh Mohammed said 145,000 volunteers from 97 countries helped provide food, aid and support to more than 90 million beneficiaries last year.

As part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives, more than Dh1.1 billion ($299 million) was spent in 2021 through a number of programmes, campaigns and relief and community projects.

As per the foundation’s annual report, it reached its largest number of beneficiaries in a single year, despite the challenges brought about by Covid-19.

“On [World Humanatarian Day] we remember Zayed Al-Khair, and his message of goodness to the UAE,” he tweeted.

“We thank the efforts of all the loyal workers in this sector and I thank the efforts of the 145,000 volunteers in 97 countries who have helped us in the [Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives] to reach 90 million beneficiaries in 2021. More goodness to come, God willing.”

At the start of Ramadan, Sheikh Mohammed launched the UAE's One Billion Meals food campaign.

Within weeks, the campaign hit its target as beneficiaries donated more than 600 million meals. Sheikh Mohammed topped up the number with a personal donation of 400 million meals to feed people in 50 countries.

MBRGI was established in 2015 as an umbrella for dozens of charity and humanitarian institutions that have been sponsored by Sheikh Mohammed for decades.

It includes 35 organisations and institutional initiatives that carry out hundreds of projects, programmes and campaigns, within five main work pillars: humanitarian aid and relief; health care and disease control; spreading education and knowledge; innovation and entrepreneurship; and empowering communities.

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Akeed

Based: Muscat

Launch year: 2018

Number of employees: 40

Sector: Online food delivery

Funding: Raised $3.2m since inception 

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Updated: August 18, 2022, 3:56 PM