Red Crescent doubles distribution of daily iftar meals to 7,000

02 Oct 2006

Dubai: The UAE Red Crescent Authority announced yesterday that it is expanding its Ramadan activities, doubling the number of meals distributed daily.

The Dubai branch of the organisation would now prepare nearly 7,000 meals every evening for members of the public at tents and food distribution sites located throughout the emirate.

According to Mohammad Abdullah Al Zarouni, manager of the UAE Red Crescent Authority (RCA) in Dubai, the total number of meals being distributed in the month will top 201,000, with an estimated 6,700 meals being prepared daily.

"The load has been expanded to meet the increasing needs and has been made possible through the generosity of various benefactors who have supported the projects," Al Zarouni explained.

"Anybody is welcome to come for the meals; you do not have to be a Muslim."

RCA said that Iftar projects have now been set-up in 12 locations across Dubai, and anyone who wishes to share is welcome.

Extensive support has come from the organisation's chairperson and Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minster, which has been bolstered by a wide range of individual donors, philanthropists and companies.

According to RCA, the iftar projects include distribution of 3,000 meals at locations in Al Barsha, near Dubai Municipality, Al Wasl Club, the Dubai Women's Association and Rawaq Ousha Cultural Club.

Several Iftar tents have also been erected throughout Dubai, where 3,700 people gather to break their fast together every evening at locations in Al Ghusais, Satwa behind the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Al Quoz as well as in Hatta.

Al Zarouni said the meals include the traditional dates, followed by biryani, harees, fruits, juice and laban.

"It is part of our religion to share wealth for the benefit of others less fortunate. It is especially important during this month when you see a pure form of Islam. ... We see many different nationalities coming, including nationals. Sometimes people forget that there are poor national people, whom we support," he told Gulf News.

"We also get a lot of labourers coming, which is important because we need to share with them, as they help to build our country."

Al Zarouni called on companies wishing to donate food or support people during Ramadan to contact his organisation.