Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the launch of the 1 Billion Meals Dates Factory, a new humanitarian project with an annual production capacity of 150 million date-based food units.

The facility’s entire output will be allocated to supporting underprivileged communities worldwide, reinforcing the UAE’s broader humanitarian strategy and its position as a hub for international relief efforts.

The project is one of the flagship initiatives under Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, aimed at strengthening food security systems for vulnerable populations. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly efforts to combat global hunger.

Senior officials, including Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports and Emirates Airline and Group; Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the UAE Olympic Committee; Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; and Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, attended the announcement.

Describing the initiative, Sheikh Mohammed said the factory represents a large-scale, endowment-based model designed to provide sustainable food assistance and uphold human dignity through long-term support mechanisms.

According to Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of MBRGI, the project reflects a strategic shift toward institutionalized humanitarian action, combining large-scale food production with targeted aid delivery to populations affected by economic and humanitarian crises.

The factory is funded through a $54.5 million donation from businessman Mirwais Azizi. Operations will be overseen by Al Barakah Dates in partnership with MBRGI.

Currently under development in Margham, the facility will process locally sourced dates into fortified food products enriched with essential vitamins and minerals. The project is designed to integrate food production with humanitarian distribution while also supporting domestic agriculture and supply chains.

Beyond its aid objectives, the initiative is expected to create jobs, strengthen logistics networks, and expand the global reach of UAE food exports. Completion of the factory is scheduled for the end of 2027.

Founded in 2015, MBRGI oversees more than 30 programs across sectors, including humanitarian aid, healthcare, education, innovation, and community development.

The announcement was also attended by Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense; Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.