The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

Following the widespread success of the Meals of Hope campaign, launched last Ramadan, the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) has announced that the second phase of the ‘Meals of Hope’ campaign will be extended to other areas of Dubai as well.

The first phase of the initiative, launched in cooperation with food delivery platform Zomato, was limited to Al Quoz area of Dubai. As many as 3,189 free-of-charge meals were distributed during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The total value of contributions to the initiative reached Dhs384,042.

The second phase of the project will be extended to all segments of the society, thus covering the entire emirate of Dubai.

Dr Hamad Bin Al Shaikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, Director General of Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, said that the department is keen to undertake charitable activities throughout the year, and not just during the Holy month of Ramadan.

He said that this initiative underscores the culture of compassion and tolerance that characterises the UAE community in general and Dubai in particular. The target group of this initiative now includes all residents of the emirate, from different religions, beliefs and nationalities.

Mohammed Musabeh Ali Dhahi, Director of the Charity Department at Dubai IACAD, said that IACAD will continue to work with its partners to enhance the initiative further, expand the network of beneficiaries and increase the number of participating restaurants.

Under phase two of the campaign, 43,000 meals will be delivered to 36 locations in Dubai, including Al Quoz, Al Qusais, Al Muhaisnah, Jebel Ali and Expo 2020. This will be carried out with the cooperation of Zomato, Dulsco and the Permanent Committee of Labours’ Affairs-Dubai PCLAD.

‘Meals of Hope’ is the first initiative of its kind in the UAE to provide meals to the underprivileged through a digital platform, enabling them to request food from a group of selected restaurants directly through Zomato. The diversity of restaurant options involved in the campaign and IACAD’s direct supervision on the implementation of the initiative ensures that participating restaurants comply with the specified standards and that the quality of food provided to beneficiaries is effectively managed.