A large number of volunteers in Dubai gathered on Sunday to assemble food boxes destined for families in Gaza.
This initiative is part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Humanitarian Ship under Operation Gallant Knight 3, aiming to deliver 10 million meals to help the Palestinian people by meeting their urgent needs and alleviating their suffering.
The campaign follows a call by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum last month, urging the community to support the Palestinian people. Organizers reported over 6000 registrations in the first 24 hours after the link was shared on his official X account.
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Starting at 9am, the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City buzzed with activity as volunteers lined up at tables, efficiently packing boxes with essential food items. School groups, corporate teams, and families participated, alongside People of Determination who contributed with the help of supervisors and fellow volunteers.
“Everyone shares the same goal here. We want the people of Gaza to feel supported,” said Dr. Fawzan Al Khaldi, Director of Programs and Initiatives at Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives. He mentioned that the ship is set to sail next week, aiming to reach Gaza before year-end.
900 boxes every 30 minutes
Organizers noted that about 900 boxes are filled every half hour with vegetable ghee, rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, dates, and other essentials.
Among the volunteers was Sharifa Abdelaziz, who was seen taping boxes at the final station. Out of breath but smiling, she remarked that this was her second national drive after participating in the UAE is with you, Lebanon campaign last year. “It’s tiring, but it’s nothing compared to what families in Gaza endure,” she said.
Children took the stage to cheer on volunteers. Yousif A, one of the children, expressed his excitement to help, saying, “We want to support our country and assist those in need.”
In one corner of the hall, students penned messages to accompany the aid. Hind Sultan and Bizna Yousif held notes reading, ‘Gaza kids, our hearts are with you. You are the Arab braves.’
UAE leadership presence
Senior officials, including Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Derei, Chairman of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, and Engineer Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, attended the event. Mohammed Al Shareef, spokesperson for Gallant Knight 3, stated that the turnout reflects a united community responding to the leadership’s call. “Every box symbolizes that the people of Gaza are not forgotten,” he said.
Part of a wider UAE initiative
The humanitarian ship is organized by MBRGI in collaboration with Operation Gallant Knight 3, enhancing the UAE’s broader efforts to support Gaza. Earlier this year, MBRGI committed Dh 43 million in direct food aid. In 2023, Sheikh Mohammed directed Dh 50 million in urgent support. Dubai Humanitarian also delivered 71.6 tonnes of medical supplies to Gaza via Egypt’s El Arish port in September 2024.
