UAE authorities have started distributing food packets in Lebanon, India, Jordan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Food parcels containing staples such as flour, rice, oil, sugar, and dates are being given to needy people in these five countries.
The initiative is being organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and the food drive is being carried out by the Food Banking Regional Network (FBRN) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment (MBRCH).
FBRN is distributing long-life food items while MBRCH is distributing food parcels containing basic staples such as flour, rice, oil, sugar and dates to beneficiaries.
Announced last month, One Billion Meals encourages people to donate money to feed those in need. It will run until the target is met.
The campaign aims to help the vulnerable in 50 countries, supporting efforts to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 2 to end hunger by 2030.
The initiative will give people the basic ingredients needed to prepare nutritious meals or instant e-vouchers for food supplies in co-operation with local authorities in beneficiary countries.
The One Billion Meals initiative is an extension of the 100 Million Meals campaign, which was launched during Ramadan 2021. At the time, it successfully distributed 220 million meals across 47 nations – double its initial target – with the participation of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment teams.
Last year's 100 Million Meals campaign provided food parcels and vouchers to millions across four continents, including Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Sudan, Yemen, Tunisia, Iraq, Egypt, Kosovo, Brazil, Benin, Burundi, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Senegal, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Angola, Sierra Leone, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
How to donate
The One Billion Meals campaign website has details of several options for donors.
Money can be pledged online, either monthly or by a one-off donation. People can donate by SMS message through Etisalat or du, or money can be sent via bank transfer.
For big monetary donations and related enquiries, people can contact the campaign’s team on 800 9999.
Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Tips for taking the metro
- set out well ahead of time
- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines
- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on
- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
A cheaper choice
Vanuatu: $130,000
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Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.
Benefits: No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.
Countdown to Zero exhibition will show how disease can be beaten
Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease, an international multimedia exhibition created by the American Museum of National History in collaboration with The Carter Center, will open in Abu Dhabi a month before Reaching the Last Mile.
Opening on October 15 and running until November 15, the free exhibition opens at The Galleria mall on Al Maryah Island, and has already been seen at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Conservative MPs who have publicly revealed sending letters of no confidence
- Steve Baker
- Peter Bone
- Ben Bradley
- Andrew Bridgen
- Maria Caulfield
- Simon Clarke
- Philip Davies
- Nadine Dorries
- James Duddridge
- Mark Francois
- Chris Green
- Adam Holloway
- Andrea Jenkyns
- Anne-Marie Morris
- Sheryll Murray
- Jacob Rees-Mogg
- Laurence Robertson
- Lee Rowley
- Henry Smith
- Martin Vickers
- John Whittingdale
Director: Shady Ali
Cast: Boumi Fouad , Mohamed Tharout and Hisham Ismael
Rating: 3/5