Khalifa Foundation announces 4th Ramadan Iftar initiative

Abu Dhabi: Nearly 1.76 million Iftar meals will be distributed throughout the UAE during Ramadan, the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (KBZF) announced on Tuesday.

To spread the spirit of Ramadan, the KBZF announced the launch of its fourth annual Ramadan Iftar initiative, which focuses on empowering around 600 Emirati families.

This initiative benefits families of a lower income by encouraging them to prepare Iftar meals for Muslims throughout the UAE and providing them with the necessary ingredients.

“This year’s objective will be to distribute 58,700 Iftar meal packages per day throughout the UAE, amounting to 1.76 million packages during Ramadan,” said Mohammad Haji Al Khoury, director-general of KBZF.

“Due to overwhelming response since 2010 in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi where it was first launched, this initiative has gained momentum to spread all across the country and continues to intensify in its efforts,” he added.

Al Khoury also pointed out that about Dh63,000 each will be given during Ramadan to the participating Emirati families to help them boost their income and encourage them to set up a business that will facilitate financial independence and ensure a better future for future generations.

Many success stories have begun to crop up as a result of this initiative, which have added to the enthusiasm of the KBZF.

“We are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to help lower-income families by sourcing out creative and sustainable projects which provide them with the necessary long-term financial support,” he said.

Strategic partnerships including: Emirates Transportation, Public Safety and Emergency Services, Emirates Post Group, the General Directorate of Civil Defence, and Al Hilal Bank have provided support to promote peace and goodwill during Ramadan.

About 120 areas throughout the UAE, which will be signed, will be responsible for distributing the meals.

Afra Al Hameli, a 45-year-old housewife told Gulf News: “It is the third year I have participated in the Ramadan Iftar initiative. I provide nearly 100 Iftar meals every day and pack them in plastic boxes.”

“KBZF has completely supported us in providing us with all necessary ingredients and services. Also several inspection teams from the Foundation as well as the Public Safety and Emergency Services are always making random visits to ensure food safety,” Afra added.

“The Foundation is wholly committed to pioneering and augmenting healthcare and education initiatives all over the world, and provides aid and assistance to people everywhere, regardless of race, sex or religion,” Al Khoury added.

Additionally, the Foundation is also involved in various international projects and initiatives across the globe, in its objectives to bring about vital changes and assist in areas that are in dire need of help.

The KBZF earlier pledged to send 40 tonnes of dates to Kazakhstan each year as part of its development initiative.

“Also around Dh200 million has been set aside to develop the infrastructural development schemes in Kazakhstan by the foundation,” Al Khoury added.