The Zayed Giving Initiative launched the second pilot phase of its Neighbourhood Feast, a community-driven project rolled out as part of its support for the Year of Giving, declared by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to promote the culture of giving back to the community and enhance the spirit of volunteering, tolerance and loyalty to the nation.

Young volunteers hosted a feast for 200 needy people in their district in Abu Dhabi.

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

''The Neighbourhood Feast is an innovative idea, focussing on the three main pillars of the Year of Giving - social responsibility, volunteering and serving the nation. When it comes to volunteering, young Emiratis will be involved in preparing healthy meals for the poor in their respective residential districts. As for community responsibility, the private sector will have the opportunity to provide logistical support to the poor. With regards to serving the nation, this pillar aims at instilling loyalty and commitment in the next generations to serve their country, a trait that is characteristic of Emiratis,'' he added.

The new initiative supports the UAE’s long-standing humanitarian and charitable approach, which extends a helping hand to those in need regardless of their colour, sex or ethnicity, Al Shameri said.

''A bus for feast of giving will also be launched as part of the initiative,'' he revealed.

Muza Al Otaiba, member of the ZGI's board of trustees, said housewives had prepared the food and private sector had provided logistical support in the second feast.

''Other freejs (neighbourhoods) in Abu Dhabi will follow suit,'' she added.

''An award for the best freej will be bestowed, taking into account the number of involved volunteers and companies, and the quality of feasts," she revealed.