Sheikh Mohammed's Charity Feeds 10 Million in Gaza: A Lifeline of Hope and Resilience

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives foundation has prepared over 10 million meals for Gaza residents in record time, with more than 20,000 UAE volunteers participating in the massive humanitarian effort. The initiative, part of the UAE's "Gallant Knight 3" operation, demonstrates the country's continued support for Palestinians and reflects the deep solidarity within Emirati society.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, praised the overwhelming community response to the meal preparation project. The foundation initially needed just 2,000 volunteers but received applications from over 20,000 people within a single week.

"Proud of everyone racing to participate... proud of the efforts of more than 20,000 volunteers," Sheikh Mohammed said. "This is the people of the UAE... this is the true spirit of Zayed's children... this is the love that the UAE people carry for Palestine and its people."

The meals were prepared during a major event at the Dubai Exhibition Centre - Expo, which saw participation from all segments of UAE society. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended part of the event, touring the facilities and meeting with volunteers involved in the campaign.

This effort represents the latest chapter in the UAE's humanitarian support for Palestinians. The country was among the first to launch relief operations for Gaza residents through the "Gallant Knight 3" initiative, which President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan ordered to support the Palestinian people.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives foundation operates as the region's largest charitable and humanitarian organization. In 2024, it spent over 2.2 billion dirhams, benefiting approximately 149 million people across 118 countries worldwide.

The foundation focuses on five main areas: humanitarian and relief assistance, healthcare and disease prevention, education and knowledge dissemination, future innovation and leadership, and community empowerment. Within the humanitarian aid sector alone, the foundation spent more than 944 million dirhams in 2024, helping over 37 million people globally.

Last year, Dubai's humanitarian arm transported and distributed 1,255 metric tons of aid and relief materials, reaching about 3.7 million people across different countries. The foundation, launched in 2015, serves as an umbrella organization for more than 30 initiatives and institutions that Sheikh Mohammed has supported over the past two decades.

These organizations focus particularly on least developed countries and vulnerable communities, addressing critical needs in fragile societies. The Gaza meal preparation campaign reflects this broader mission while highlighting the strong volunteer culture that has developed within the UAE.