More than 200 companies sign up to UAE food bank

About 85 hospitality companies have signed agreements with the UAE's first food bank, which brings the total number to more than 200 restaurants and supermarkets set to work with the new non-profit organisation.

HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced at the start of January that he would launch an official food bank in order to make sure leftover food is given to those who need it, within the country and abroad.

The initiative will reduce food waste in the emirates and the aim is for the first wave to distribute 30,000 meal packages to those in need.

Those involved already include Majid Al Futtaim Group, Carrerfour, Choithrams, Dubai World Trade Centre and Jumeirah.

Dubai Municipality will oversee the processes and quality control.