Mohammed bin Rashid launches world’s largest endowment dates factory to combat global hunger

Dubai: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) have begun, in collaboration with partners, work on the world’s largest date bar factory aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition globally. In a post on his official X account, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announed that the project will produce 150 million date-fortified food units annually, dedicated to children suffering from malnutrition and to supporting the least fortunate communities. He said: "God has blessed the UAE and the region with this noble palm tree... We have lived on it... and many communities have lived on it... And today, we strive to transform it into a high-value food product that contributes to fighting hunger around the world. And God is the One Who grants success, first and last." The announcement was made in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai. The factory’s entire output will be dedicated to supporting underprivileged communities around the world, underscoring the UAE’s relief efforts and its status as a global hub for humanitarian action. This new project represents one of the landmark investments introduced by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), reflecting its noble mission of providing a food safety net for underserved populations in countries struggling with food security issues, while supporting and maximising the UAE’s contribution to the global fight against hunger, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. Limitless generosity His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) affirmed that the 1 Billion Meals Dates Factory embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for sustainable giving and elevating humanitarian action to new heights. His Excellency noted that the new project is rooted in an institutional approach to delivering world-class projects and focuses on providing food aid and protection against hunger to underprivileged populations worldwide, solidifying the UAE’s standing as a key player in the global fight against hunger, and a unique model of limitless generosity. His Excellency Al Gergawi stated: “The 1 Billion Meals Dates Factory launches at a pivotal moment, as millions of people face the threat of malnutrition due to economic challenges and complex crises. This highlights the need for collective efforts to establish a food safety net and provide access to high-value nutritional products. This mission is a key focus of the new facility by MBRGI, reflecting our commitment to leveraging expertise and capabilities to support relief efforts aimed at the world’s most vulnerable populations.” Strategic project Funded by an AED200 million donation from renowned businessman Mirwais Azizi, operations at the 1 Billion Meals Dates Factory will be managed by Al Barakah Dates, leveraging its extensive industry expertise and further cementing its long-standing partnership with the MBRGI. The 1 Billion Meals Dates Factory, under development in Margham, Dubai, is one of the UAE’s leading strategic projects, aimed at bolstering humanitarian efforts, advancing food security and fighting hunger worldwide. The project focuses on processing dates, a highly nutritious staple, into innovative, sustainable products that provide healthy meals to underserved populations. The initiative aims to effectively integrate humanitarian action and economic development by establishing a state-of-the-art manufacturing ecosystem powered by the latest food production technologies. It reinforces the UAE’s position as a global food production hub with a strong humanitarian dimension.