Azizi Developments Donates AED 200 Million to Build MBRGI’s One Billion Meals Dates Factory in Dubai
Azizi Developments has officially launched construction of the One Billion Meals Dates Factory in Dubai through a AED 200 million donation supporting the humanitarian initiative led by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the project site in Margham and was attended by Mirwais Azizi and Saeed Al Eter.
The launch follows the announcement made on 24 April 2026 by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who introduced the project as a flagship humanitarian investment under MBRGI.
Largest Endowment-Based Dates Factory
The One Billion Meals Dates Factory is expected to become the world’s largest endowment-based manufacturing facility dedicated to producing date-based food aid. Once operational, the facility will produce approximately 150 million fortified date food units annually, all of which will be distributed to underserved communities worldwide.
The products will be enriched with essential vitamins and minerals to help address nutritional needs in vulnerable populations.
Major Humanitarian and Economic Impact
Construction of the facility is scheduled for completion by 2027 and will cover a built-up area of approximately 193,000 square feet, reaching a height of 18.2 metres.
At full operational capacity, the factory is expected to:
- Employ more than 800 people
- Support the full food production and distribution cycle
- Source dates exclusively from UAE farms
- Strengthen the UAE’s palm cultivation sector
Supporting Global Food Aid
Speaking during the event, Mirwais Azizi said the UAE continues to lead globally in philanthropy and humanitarian initiatives, emphasizing that the private sector has a responsibility to support impactful projects that benefit communities worldwide.
Officials noted that the project combines humanitarian aid with sustainable local economic development by creating jobs, supporting agriculture, and strengthening food security initiatives.
Strengthening UAE Humanitarian Leadership
The factory forms part of the UAE’s broader humanitarian and food security efforts led by MBRGI, one of the region’s largest charitable and development organizations.
Industry observers say the initiative reflects Dubai’s growing role as a global centre for humanitarian innovation and sustainable charitable investment, while reinforcing the UAE’s longstanding commitment to international aid and social development.
