One billion meals for the needy across the globe are be delivered by the UAE during the holy month of Ramadan.

The ambitious initiative was announced in a Twitter post by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Thursday.

Sheikh Mohammed tweeted that the initiative will kick off as Ramadan begins and will continue till the goal of delivering a billion meals is achieved.

“800 million people suffer from hunger around the world. Our humanity and our religion tell us to extend a helping hand,” said Sheikh Mohammed.