Amazon UAE Partners with UAE Food Bank for Annual 'Iftar on Wheels' Initiative
March 9, 2025 | By the LG Content Team
In a commendable effort to support local communities during the sacred month of Ramadan, Amazon UAE has announced its renewed partnership with the UAE Food Bank for the 2025 edition of the ‘Iftar on Wheels’ program. This initiative, now in its fifth year, aims to provide nourishment and essentials to thousands of individuals across the nation, reinforcing the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and community welfare.
Since its inception in 2021, the ‘Iftar on Wheels’ program has made significant strides in aiding the more vulnerable sectors of society. Within just four years, it has successfully delivered nearly 1.4 million meals alongside over 230,000 kilograms of essential food items. By reaching more than 37,000 beneficiaries across the UAE, the initiative exemplifies a proactive approach to tackling food insecurity in a region where lavish celebrations often starkly contrast the harsh realities faced by some communities.
Stefano Martinelli, the Vice President of Amazon Middle East and North Africa, expressed pride in the initiative, stating, “We remain deeply grateful for our long-standing partnership with the UAE Food Bank. The unwavering dedication of our employees has been the backbone of the ‘Iftar on Wheels’ program.” His sentiment is echoed throughout Amazon UAE, where corporate culture encourages community involvement. Employees volunteer thousands of hours each year during the fasting period, embodying a spirit of charity that resonates strongly during Ramadan.
The UAE Food Bank, a non-profit organization striving to eliminate hunger, recognizes that collaboration is key to making a substantial impact. Manal Obaid Bin Yaroof, Head of the Executive Team at the UAE Food Bank Foundation, stressed the importance of partnerships in achieving a sustainable future, stating, “This partnership is a great example of how collaboration can create a lasting impact and help drive positive change.”
The program not only serves as a means to distribute food but also strengthens the fabric of social responsibility within the corporate and local community. As businesses like Amazon UAE extend their outreach, the challenge of hunger during Ramadan is addressed head-on, allowing for a coming together of different sectors to support the less fortunate.
Volunteering for the ‘Iftar on Wheels’ program has become an integral part of employee engagement at Amazon. Abeer Mohamed, a Human Resources Specialist at Amazon UAE, shared her personal experience: “Over the past few years, I have made it a priority to volunteer for Amazon’s ‘Iftar on Wheels’ because it brings a strong sense of purpose to both my personal and professional life.” Her words highlight the significance of community service as a source of fulfillment, emphasizing how employees find deeper meaning in their work through acts of charity.
The impact of this program transcends mere statistics; it embodies a community spirit that brings together individuals from all walks of life. Despite the rapid modernization and economic development observed within the UAE, initiatives like ‘Iftar on Wheels’ serve as vital reminders of the importance of empathy and compassion in a nation renowned for its wealth.
Moreover, the significance of food donation programs during Ramadan cannot be overstated. The holy month is a time for reflection and giving, deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of Muslims around the world. By providing iftar meals and basic food essentials, Amazon UAE not only assists those in need but also fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity within the community.
As the partnership between Amazon UAE and the UAE Food Bank continues to flourish, it establishes a model for corporate-community collaborations that prioritize social welfare. The collective efforts demonstrate how businesses can leverage their resources to stimulate positive change, contributing not just to profits, but to the well-being of society as a whole.
In conclusion, initiatives like ‘Iftar on Wheels’ showcase the potential for innovative solutions in addressing social issues, setting a precedent for other organizations aiming to engage in community outreach. As this program gains momentum and becomes a staple of Ramadan in the UAE, it serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for others to follow suit.
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