Dubai: Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Community Development Authority (CDA) has launched the second edition of the ‘Kharayef Al Rutab’ initiative, a community programme that combines the preservation of Emirati heritage with humanitarian outreach and support for local agriculture.Organised in partnership with the UAE Food Bank, Dubai Municipality, the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center, national farms and volunteers, the initiative aims to celebrate the fresh date harvest season, known locally as Al Qayz, while promoting the values of generosity, social cohesion and community giving.This year's campaign seeks to distribute fresh dates to more than 5,000 families and other beneficiary groups across Dubai, with the support of 1,000 Emirati volunteers and national farms.The initiative forms part of efforts to maximise the social and humanitarian value of seasonal agricultural production while contributing to the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, particularly in strengthening social cohesion, improving quality of life and promoting sustainability.Dates distributed through community MajalisFresh dates will be distributed through a network of CDA community Majalis, including:Umm Suqeim MajlisAl Khawaneej MajlisNad Al Sheba MajlisAl Warqa MajlisAl Barsha MajlisThe initiative aims to strengthen the role of community Majalis as centres for social engagement, communication and support while ensuring fresh produce reaches families and other target groups across the emirate.Preserving heritage and strengthening identityIn addition to its humanitarian objectives, the initiative seeks to introduce younger generations of citizens and residents to the cultural significance of the date palm and revive awareness of the traditional Qayz season, which has long been associated with generosity, hospitality and community bonds in the UAE.Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority, said the initiative reflects the authority's commitment to strengthening community partnerships and preserving national values."We are proud to have established this national initiative and are pleased to welcome the expanded collaboration of our government partners this year," she said."Through our network of community Majalis, we provide the primary platform for delivering the fresh date harvest to beneficiary families while strengthening national identity and preserving the authentic values and traditions that connect generations."Supporting sustainability and local farmsMarwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Municipality and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UAE Food Bank, said the initiative reflects the Food Bank's commitment to transforming seasonal acts of generosity into sustainable community programmes."We remain committed to launching impactful initiatives that preserve Emirati heritage while reinforcing the values of social solidarity through effective partnerships with government entities, farmers and volunteers," he said.Bin Ghalita added that the initiative helps reduce food waste, support national farms, strengthen food security and reinforce Dubai's position as a global model for sustainability and humanitarian action.He noted that the programme also supports the local economy, encourages volunteerism and demonstrates how agricultural harvests can be transformed into lasting community impact.Distribution scheduleFresh dates will be distributed across Dubai according to the following schedule:Umm Suqeim Majlis – 20 JulyNad Al Sheba Majlis – 21 JulyAl Warqa Majlis – 22 JulyAl Barsha Majlis – 23 JulyAl Khawaneej Majlis – 24 JulyActivities associated with the initiative will continue throughout the fresh date season, accompanied by awareness programmes highlighting the cultural importance of the date palm and encouraging the sustainable use of locally grown agricultural produce.
