Salma Humanitarian Relief Program Launches Two New Food Products at DIHAD 2017

Dubai-UAE: 21 March, 2017:  Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) has launched two new food products as part of its acclaimed salma Humanitarian Relief Program that distributes ready-to-eat halal meals to those affected by wars and disasters worldwide. With this move, the Foundation seeks to expand the available food options to increase the scope and number of its beneficiaries as well as the program’s geographical footprint. 

AMAF unveiled the products at the 14th edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD 2017), held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from March 21 to 23. The Foundation’s exhibition stand introduced participants and visitors to the salma program and its latest developments. 

The new additions to the Salma halal menu comprise a beef-and-chickpea meal with meat constituting 33 percent of the contents, and a chicken-and-rice meal with chicken meat making up 39 percent of the contents. Containing vital nutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and sodium, the 200-gram meals are free from preservatives.

His Excellency Tayeb Al-Rais, Secretary General of AMAF, said: “In line with its global nature, the salma Humanitarian Relief Program is constantly enhancing its products and services to expand its base of beneficiaries. Since the project seeks to meet the needs of people whose eating habits are likely to be vastly different, it must be ready to provide a variety of emergency meal types.” 

He added: “The aid programs and initiatives of the UAE government align with our leadership’s vision and directives, and reinforce the country’s global humanitarian mission. The launch of our two new food products is part of our unwavering commitment to delivering humanitarian aid where people need it most.” 

The halal meat used in the salma food parcels comes from the best sharia-compliant meat-processing factories in New Zealand. Designed for use in challenging conditions, the plastic packaging is made in South Korea, using cutting-edge technology originally developed by NASA. The hermetically sealed pouches are highly pressure- and temperature-resistant, and can be stored for up to three years without refrigeration and without affecting the freshness of the contents. 

Launched in July 2014, the salma Humanitarian Relief Program is an initiative of the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC) and Noor Awqaf, a joint project between AMAF and Noor Investment Group. In collaboration with the UN World Food Programme, the initiative provides safe, high-quality, nutritious and 100 percent halal food to communities affected by natural disasters, wars and conflicts. Partners of the project include Emirates Red Crescent and Awqaf New Zealand, with Dubai International Humanitarian City providing logistical support. 

Named after Salma Al Sharhan, the first Emirati nurse, who dedicated her life to helping the underprivileged in Ras Al Khaimah, the salma program operates on a sustainable endowment model. 

Donation to the salma Humanitarial Relief Program can be made via text message. Etisalat and du subscribers can send an SMS to 7710 to contribute AED10, 7750 to contribute AED50, and 3100 to contribute AED100. Donors can also make their contributions to AMAF’s Dubai Islamic Bank account number 001-9451498-520-01or via Noor Bank account number 0014666660014.