UAE: Initiative to provide Halal meat to aid agencies

DUBAI: Noor Awqaf, a Dubai-based joint venture between Noor Investment Group and the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF), on Monday launched a ground-breaking humanitarian project that will give aid agencies around the world access to relief aid in Halal meat during natural disasters and famine.

The initiative was unveiled on the eve of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD 2013), which will be attended by the world’s leading aid agencies.

Hussain Al Qemzi, Group CEO of Noor Investment Group, said: “Noor Awqaf wishes to contribute to the enhancement of sustainable and principled international humanitarian and development aid.

“During DIHAD, we will be meeting with representatives of leading aid agencies to understand their needs and create partnerships that will benefit those affected by crises, disasters or the effects of under-development.”

In conjunction with Awqaf New Zealand, Noor Awqaf has forged links with New Zealand’s meat producers and processors to secure a robust supply chain of quality Halal meat for distribution by aid agencies at times of natural disasters or civil emergencies. The meat will be supplied to aid agencies in sealed pouches to ensure its edibility for two years.

“From the purchase of sheep or beef cattle for slaughter to packing and shipping, Noor Awqaf can ensure a reliable source of relief aid meat, certified and processed to Halal standards.

“To guarantee the full utilisation of the animal, by-products will be supplied to the Halal pharmaceutical, cosmetic, leather and wool industries in order to build Awqaf assets,” explained Tayeb Al Rais, secretary general, AMAF.

The Halal meat relief aid project is the first initiative to be launched following the recent announcement by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai about Dubai’s intention to establish the emirate as the capital of the Islamic economy.