Dubai, UAE: In spirit of the Holy Month of Ramadan, du is supporting the UAE Vision 2021 by encouraging community volunteering, through its Mawaed Al Rahman iftar meal distribution programme. This year, under the theme ‘Khair w Barakah’ (Goodness and Blessings), du is spreading awareness of the importance of volunteering, by calling on members of the public to assist in the distribution of 150,000 meals to those less fortunate.

Through its Mawaed Al Rahman efforts, du, assisted by volunteers, will distribute meals at five iftar tables (Mawaed Al Rahman), benefitting communities in four emirates - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and, in partnership with the Khalifa Bin Zayed Humanitarian Foundation in  Al Ain.

 “On the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan, on behalf of my colleagues I would like to send our best wishes to all Muslims for a blessed month ahead. May we be thankful for Allah’s generosity, and keep showing it to each other. It is a privilege to be able to distribute more than 150,000 meals during this time of charitable reflection, and to know that we have been able to positively affect the lives of so many individuals in five emirates,” said Hala Badri, Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications, du. “In our fifth year of Iftar meal distribution, we are proud to have partnered with the Khalifa Bin Zayed Humanitarian Foundation. After all, Allah has given us his blessings, let’s continue to share them.”

The five distribution points are: Nad Al Qusais Mosque on Al Nahda Street, Dubai; Shaikh Khalifa Mosque, Abu Dhabi; Salim Bin Ali Al Owais Square in Al Fisht Area, Sharjah; Bu Rusli Mos que on Al Ittihad Street, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ibn Katheer Mosque at the central Market in Al Ain.

As part of du’s efforts to support the local community and empower Emiratis, all meals distributed in Al Ain will be supplied by local Emirati women from less fortunate families. The Emirati women participating in the scheme have received full training, supported by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Humanitarian Foundation. The Ramadan tie-up with du, and the training they have received, will help to support these women financially.

The Khalifa Bin Zayed Humanitarian Foundation has made arrangements with more than 600 Emirati families to prepare 1.7 million Iftar meals, which will be given to the less fortunate throughout Ramadan through distribution points such as du’s.

Members of the public, du’s customers and employees are encouraged to participate in this charitable venture by volunteering their time. Anyone wishing to distribute meals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah or Al Ain can register their interest and find out more by emailing CSR@du.ae.

In 2011, du distributed 90,740 meals to those in need, while in 2010 74,515 meals were distributed – 13,373 of which were funded by donations.

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