Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, announced the launch of the 1 Billion Meals Dates Factory, which will have an annual production capacity of 150 million date-based food units. The announcement was made in the presence of several high-ranking officials, including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and other dignitaries.
According to Emirates News Agency, the factory's entire output will support underprivileged communities worldwide, highlighting the UAE's role in humanitarian efforts. This initiative is part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and aims to provide a food safety net for countries facing food security challenges, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized the UAE's commitment to food security and its legacy of sustainable giving. He described the project as a humanitarian endeavor that reflects the community's core values and the UAE's identity. The project aims to maintain high standards of production quality and operational efficiency.
Also present at the launch were prominent figures such as H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and H.H. Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of MBRGI, stated that the factory embodies Sheikh Mohammed's vision for sustainable giving and positions the UAE as a key player in global hunger relief efforts.
Funded by a AED200 million donation from businessman Mirwais Azizi, the factory's operations will be managed by Al Barakah Dates, which will leverage its industry expertise. Located in Margham, Dubai, the factory is a strategic project aimed at enhancing food security and supporting the UAE's position as a global food production hub.
The project, scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, will generate jobs, strengthen supply chains, and expand UAE food exports. The factory will produce high-quality, date-based products fortified with essential nutrients. The dates will be sourced from local farms, supporting the UAE's palm cultivation sector and expanding green spaces.
Established in 2015, MBRGI oversees over 30 initiatives across five pillars: Humanitarian Aid and Relief, Healthcare and Disease Control, Spreading Education and Knowledge, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Empowering Communities.
