As the world marks World Food Day on 16 October, a powerful message will be served across the UAE’s restaurants, cafés, and food brands: that a meal enjoyed here can help nourish a child elsewhere. Dubai Cares, the UAE’s leading philanthropic organisation focused on education, has announced the return of its annual Taste of Giving campaign, running from 16 October to 16 November 2025.
Launched as a grassroots movement uniting the UAE’s food and beverage community, the campaign mobilises both industry leaders and the public to provide nutritious school meals for vulnerable children around the world.
This year, Taste of Giving once again taps into the generosity of restaurants and diners, transforming everyday meals into meaningful action. Participating brands and venues will donate a portion of their proceeds, whether from an entire day’s revenue or a signature dish, to support Dubai Cares’ school feeding programmes.
“No child should have to choose between food and an education,” said Amal Al Redha, Director of Partnerships at Dubai Cares. “A school meal is more than just nourishment, it’s the promise of focus, dignity, and a chance to thrive. When children are nourished, they can learn, grow, and build a brighter future. We are deeply grateful to the restaurants, food manufacturers, and F&B brands that have stepped forward, and we invite the entire UAE community to join us. By simply dining out or choosing products from participating brands, you are strengthening our efforts to bring school meals to children who need them most.”
At the heart of the campaign is a compelling equation: every dirham raised funds one school meal. It’s a direct and immediate form of impact – one that addresses both global hunger and educational access in tandem.
The scale of the problem remains daunting. More than 73 million primary school children in low and middle income countries attend school on an empty stomach, limiting their ability to focus and learn. School feeding programmes, backed by strong data and global consensus, have proven to improve attendance rates, academic outcomes, and help lift families out of the cycle of poverty.
Last year, nearly 50 brands joined the movement. In 2025, the number is already growing, with the first wave of partners including Al Beiruti, Americana Foods, bkry, Burro Blanco, Khadak Restaurant, Maestro Pizza, Minus Eighteen, Risen Café & Artisanal Bakery, The Maine, TRIO Cafe, Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort, and all restaurants under the Tashas Group.
For many of these partners, the campaign aligns not only with CSR goals but with a deep-seated ethos of community support.
“On World Food Day, we are reminded that access to food is a basic right and a shared responsibility,” said Rita Nassar, Head of Corporate Communications & CSR, GCC & EGY – Americana Foods. “At Americana Foods, we are proud to support Dubai Cares’ Taste of Giving campaign to help provide school meals for vulnerable children. This initiative reflects our ongoing CSR commitment to advancing food security across the region, and we are honoured to stand alongside Dubai Cares in turning the spirit of giving into a tangible impact for those who need it most.”
“Returning for a second year to support Dubai Cares with the Taste of Giving campaign is especially meaningful for us,” added Natasha Sideris, Founder and CEO of Tashas Group. “At Tashas Group, we believe in giving back to the communities that welcome us, and this collaboration allows our guests to share in that purpose. Together, we’re proving that dining out can be both a delightful experience and a force for good.”
As more partners join in the coming weeks, the campaign serves as a timely reminder of the power of collective action and the unique ability of the F&B sector to engage, inspire, and drive change through simple, everyday choices.
For those in the UAE, the opportunity to make a difference is as simple as booking a table, ordering a meal, or picking up a product at a participating venue.
To view the growing list of partners and explore how to support the initiative, visit: www.dubaicares.ae/supports-us/tasteofgiving
Taste of Giving not only elevates the act of dining into a force for good – it reinforces the UAE’s ongoing leadership in global humanitarian efforts, reminding us that a meal shared can shape a future built on knowledge, dignity, and hope.
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