Ahmed Bin Rashid Humanitarian Bridge Surpasses 10 Million Meals for Gaza
A landmark community initiative honouring the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has achieved its ambitious goal, with volunteers preparing over 10 million meals in support of Gaza's residents.
Dubai hosted a significant humanitarian gathering on 26th September when the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives organised the ‘Ahmed Bin Rashid Humanitarian Bridge’ event at the Dubai World Trade Centre, in partnership with Operation Chivalrous Knight 3. The initiative brought together members of the community, volunteers and admirers of the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to prepare meal packages for families and children in Gaza.
The achievement of preparing over 10 million meals represents a powerful tribute to the philanthropic legacy of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose life exemplified dedication to humanitarian causes and service to the nation. The event demonstrated the deep commitment of UAE society to supporting those facing hardship, embodying core values of generosity and social solidarity that define Emirati culture.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, reflected on the departed leader’s remarkable character. “Throughout his life, the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was a symbol of generosity, humility and devotion to Dubai and the UAE,” he stated, emphasising how the late Sheikh’s principles would continue inspiring future generations.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted the broader significance of the event, noting that the community’s overwhelming response reflected long-established Emirati values. “The UAE’s humanitarian initiatives will remain a vital lifeline, making a tangible difference in the lives of families and children everywhere,” he affirmed, underscoring the nation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations globally.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of MBRGI, praised the widespread participation, describing the initiative as a statement of gratitude honouring Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid’s distinguished contributions to national development. “Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid was behind countless acts of goodwill, and it is only fitting that his tribute reflects the life of a person who was kind, charitable and close to the people,” Al Gergawi remarked.
Since its launch in November 2023 under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 has established itself as a pioneering model of humanitarian response. The UAE’s aid contributions to Gaza have exceeded $4 billion, representing 46 per cent of all global humanitarian aid delivered to the region. These efforts have encompassed the delivery of over 126,800 tonnes of essential supplies via 796 aircraft, 25 cargo ships and 14,003 trucks.
Beyond immediate relief provisions, the operation has invested in transformative development projects throughout Gaza, including automated bakeries for food security, desalination plants for clean water access, and the ‘Step of Hope’ initiative, which manufactures prosthetics and provides rehabilitation services to amputees. The ‘Birds of Goodness’ airdrop initiative has completed 81 successful missions, delivering more than 4,000 tonnes of supplies to otherwise inaccessible areas.
The Ahmed Bin Rashid Humanitarian Bridge continues MBRGI’s sustained support for Palestinians. In 2024, the organisation announced AED43 million in direct food aid through partnership with the World Food Programme, supplemented by AED37 million pledged to support Gaza’s healthcare sector. MBRGI, operating as the region’s largest foundation of its kind, expended over AED2.3 billion in 2025, benefiting approximately 165 million people across 122 countries through five principal pillars: Humanitarian Aid & Relief, Healthcare & Disease Control, Spreading Education & Knowledge, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Empowering Communities.
Source: WAM