00:00This Ramadan, many labourers are enjoying sumptuous Iftar cuisines prepared by some
00:13of Dubai's five-star hotels as part of an initiative by Dubai Municipality wherein surplus
00:18food from hotels are collected and donated to the poor.
00:22Workers living in Al-Quds and Mohaisna are among the beneficiaries of the initiative.
00:26Dubai Municipality has also extended the drive to include Iftar tents and banquets
00:31hosted by various hospitality groups.
00:34At the Al-Multakah Ballroom in Dubai World Trade Center, which could accommodate 420
00:39diners for Iftar, a charity group was waiting for some 350 diners to finish their Iftar
00:44meals so they could start the redistribution process.
00:47Once all diners had left, the Royati Family Society team, one of the approved partners
00:52of the project, donned their hairnets and gloves to start pre-packing the surplus food.
00:56Members of Royati have been trained by the municipality in personal hygiene and safe
01:01handling of food.
01:03DWTC staff, including some chefs, also assisted the Royati team.
01:06So there are two things.
01:09One leftover from our Al-Tosham and the hot holding itself, which is not touched.
01:16It is completely packed as it is coming from the kitchen, it is stored inside with the
01:20right temperature control.
01:21Another one, second set, that is given on the buffet, which is not consumed, will come
01:27back also.
01:28These two are safe to eat, there is nothing wrong in it.
01:30Whatever is in good condition, they will pack it and give it to them.
01:34We ensure the food safety is met from the preparation until it is served.
01:39It's very important.
01:40So we store the food at the right temperature, we give it to them at the right temperature,
01:45handled with all hygiene and food safety measures so that it is safe to eat.
01:51The repacked food are then kept warm until they are picked up for distribution.
01:55It took nearly half an hour for the team to repack all the surplus food.
01:58After the repacking, Royati staff started loading the food packets to the van.
02:02They also have to sign a disclaimer letter that would clear DWTC of any responsibility
02:07for any complaints by those who consume the food.
02:10The Royati team then heads to Al-Qus industrial area, where laborers are patiently waiting
02:14in a queue.
02:15There was no rush, no noise.
02:17Each aluminum packet can hold food for two to three people.
02:21That night's distribution covered around 150 people.
02:24Three other charities, including Royati, have partnered with the municipality and the hospitality
02:28sector for the project, which is expected to feed several thousands of people.
02:33Irish Iden Belyaza for Gulf News.
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