Burj Khalifa celebrates more than one million meal donations

The World's Tallest Donation Box scheme allows people to buy lights on the skyscraper

The Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, displays a message as part of the "World's Tallest Donation Box" campaign. AP

The Burj Khalifa lit up with more than one million lights on Monday, representing the number of meals donated to families affected by Covid-19.

The vast skyscraper was illuminated as part of the World’s Tallest Donation Box campaign that was announced by officials last week.

The new initiative allows companies, organisations and members of the public to buy lights on the tower for as little as Dh10 each.

About 180,000 bulbs were switched on within 24 hours of the scheme’s rollout, with that figure rising to 1.2 million today.

“The UAE once again confirms its global status as a beacon of hope through lighting up the façade of the world’s tallest building for a good cause,” said Muna Alkindi, chief executive of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, a humanitarian group that collaborated with Burj Khalifa on the project.

“Now is the right time to stand together in solidarity and lend a helping hand to those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic."

The World’s Tallest Donation Box campaign aims to fund free meals to low-income workers affected by the pandemic.

Officials said contributions had so far been received from more than 110 nationalities, with multinationals such as Amazon also lending their support.

The campaign aims to contribute to a drive to deliver a total of 10 million meals to those in need during the month of Ramadan.

The 10 Million Meals initiative was announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, in April.

He stressed that providing food for everyone during Ramadan was a “social priority” and that no one should “sleep hungry or in need”.

“The [Burj Khalifa] initiative allowed donors to see the direct impact of their contributions,” said Khaled Al Shehhi, campaign director of the scheme.

“We succeeded in showcasing our solidarity with people across the world through uniting all segments of the society to secure 1.2 million meals in just one week."

To contribute to the 10 Million Meals campaign, visit www.10millionmeals.ae. Donations start from Dh8 and money can be transferred online or via text message.