Covid-19 in UAE: Dubai restaurants are ensuring no one goes to bed hungry

They are now preparing lunch and dinner menus for persons compelled to remain retreated.

A restaurant in Dubai is promising to deliver free meals to the most vulnerable people across the UAE in times of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a unique initiative, Uppum Mulakum, a south Indian restaurant with branches in Al Mamzar and Karama, has offered support to Covid-19 positive patients through their humanitarian gesture.

Their kitchen, usually open for nearly 12 hours, is now preparing lunch and dinner menus for persons compelled to remain retreated. These individually packaged meals are sent off in different directions in five delivery vehicles.

"We can do groceries, cook and even order deliveries. We are eating well. But, think of people who don't have access to anything? They are unwell, scared and feeling helpless. We wish to convey to these people that we are with them in difficult times," said Rins Joseph, brand manager of Golden Fork and Uppum Mulakum Restaurants.

Meanwhile, the restaurant chain has collaborated with the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) to reach out to more people through the power of food.

"Our menu consists of vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries, rice and chapattis. Our delivery boys work tirelessly to make these deliveries on time.

We are willing to do these deliveries anywhere across the UAE. We also get additional assistance from our parent company, Golden Fork," added Rins.

Bearing in mind all the precautionary measures, their delivery boys are more than willing to lend an extra hand in such difficult situations. "Our staff have been cooperative and are looking at this as an opportunity to serve the society. We make sure they take adequate steps to protect themselves while going out to do these deliveries."

In yet another act of kindness, a Good Samaritan who wishes to remain anonymous has made donations to a Pakistani restaurant in Deira, to provide free food for workers. "This gentleman gave us a certain sum of money and told us to prepare 50 plates of biriyani for municipal and private cleaners and security guards who are out there watching, cleaning and sanitising things for the public when most people are practising social distancing and remaining indoors," said Omar Farooq, one of the founders of Bhaijaans Biryani.

As we scramble to counter the Covid-19 threat, these societal initiatives are a reminder that we are all in it together. nandini@khaleejtimes.com