The Zayed Initiative (ZGI) has launched the Neighbourhood Feast initiative (Freej in Arabic) in response to the declaration of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan that 2017 is to be the ‘Year of Giving’.

The initiative aims to promote the culture of giving back to the community and enhance the spirit of volunteering, tolerance and loyalty to the nation.

Dr Adel Al Shameri, CEO of ZGI, said that the new initiative, the first of its kind in the country, would allow neighbourhoods to host healthy banquets for the underprivileged across the nation.

“When it comes to volunteering, young Emiratis will be involved in preparing healthy meals for the poor in their respective residential districts,” he added.

Al Anoud Al Ajami, executive director of the Emirate Volunteer Centre, announced that the initiative had launched a pilot phase by hosting a banquet for 100 needy people in Abu Dhabi.

“An award for the best freej will be bestowed, taking into account the number of involved volunteers and companies, and the quality of feasts.”