Hundreds of UAE citizens and residents gathered at Dubai World Trade Centre on Saturday, September 26, to prepare and pack more than 10 million meals for people in Gaza as part of a humanitarian initiative.

The initiative, titled the “Ahmed bin Rashid Humanitarian Bridge”, was organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives in collaboration with Operation Chivalrous Knight 3. It was named in memory of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, brother of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Volunteers of various ages, as well as employees from government entities and schools, took part in the initiative. The food parcels contained items including rice, pulses, chickpeas, vegetable oil and sugar, and were intended for families and children in need in Gaza.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, said the initiative aimed to honour Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid’s humanitarian legacy and promote a culture of volunteerism and community participation.

The initiative forms part of the UAE’s continuing humanitarian support for Gaza. Over nearly 1,000 days of operations, Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 has delivered more than 126,000 tonnes of food, medical supplies and relief aid to Palestinians.

In December 2025, thousands of volunteers also packed 10 million meals for people in Gaza during a similar initiative at Expo City Dubai.