The Emirates Food Bank, launched by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is an exceptional initiative to serve humanity, Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, has said.

The food bank underlines the value of giving and tolerance, and reflects the glorious original traditions of the UAE, she said.

In a statement, she pointed out that the UAE community is known for its love for charity and eagerness to help others. It pursues the goal of universal welfare, regardless of people’s race, colour, religion, sect or social status.

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the Founding Fathers of the nation, were keen to enforce such morals and values in the community, she said.

She said that the UAE’s leadership was keen to promote the values of charity, love, tolerance and compassion in the community. If such values are inculcated in the next generation, charity and voluntary work would become a habit, she added.

She said that Islam urges the devout to follow these ideals, and stressed the importance of co-operation among individuals and institutions so that the charity work pursued by the UAE benefits everyone, whether at home or abroad.