Hospitality
Amazon UAE and UAE Food Bank Collaborate for the Fifth Year to Donate and Deliver Iftar Meals to Families in Need

Amazon UAE recently announced its partnership with the UAE Food Bank to launch the 2025 edition of its ‘Iftar on Wheels’ food donation program. This marks the fifth year of Amazon’s collaboration with the UAE Food Bank to deliver iftar meals and food essentials to thousands of beneficiaries across the country during the Holy month of Ramadan.
Since its launch in 2021, the ‘Iftar on Wheels’ program has made a significant impact on vulnerable communities across the UAE, contributing nearly 1.4 million meals and over 230,000 kilograms of essential food items. Building on this success, Amazon will once again leverage its cutting-edge technology, extensive fulfillment operations, and robust delivery network to ensure the safe and timely distribution of meals to thousands of underprivileged families during the Holy month.
Over the past four years, Amazon’s ‘Iftar on Wheels’ has reached more than 37,000 beneficiaries across the country. This effort has been made possible by the dedication of Amazon employees who volunteer thousands of hours each year to support the packaging and distribution of meals, ensuring they reach vulnerable communities reliably each day. ‘Iftar on Wheels’ is one of the company’s largest volunteering programs and it continues to grow. The 2025 edition has expanded to welcome even more employees from all Amazon business units, coming together to support those in need during Ramadan.
Commenting on the partnership, Manal Obaid Bin Yaroof, Head of the Executive Team of the UAE Food Bank Foundation said, “At the UAE Food Bank, we believe strong partnerships are essential to achieving a hunger-free and sustainable future. Our collaboration with Amazon UAE exemplifies this belief, allowing us to significantly expand our reach and impact. Together, we’ll ensure meals reach those in need, best use of surplus food, raise consumers awareness to reduce food waste and inspire positive change across local and international communities. This partnership is a great example of how collaboration can create a lasting impact and help drive positive change.”
Stefano Martinelli, Vice President, Amazon Middle East and North Africa, said: “As the UAE begins the ‘Year of Community’, we remain steadfast in our commitment to deploy our innovation, technology and people for the good of our communities. The Holy month of Ramadan is a special time of the year as we continue to serve customers during this busy season, while also leveraging our scale and resources to deliver meaningful impact on thousands of families in need. We remain deeply grateful for our long-standing partnership with the UAE Food Bank and the unwavering dedication of our employees who have been the backbone of the ‘Iftar on Wheels’ program.”
Abeer Mohamed, Human Resources Specialist, Amazon UAE, remarked, “Over the past few years, I have made it a priority to volunteer for Amazon’s ‘Iftar on Wheels’ because it brings a strong sense of purpose to both my personal and professional life. Generosity and a shared sense of solidarity are at the heart of Emirati culture, and this program allows me to leverage my professional expertise in service of those in need. I am proud to be part of a company that values giving back and making a positive difference in the community.”
Amazon’s ‘Iftar on Wheels’ program is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to address food insecurity in the communities where it operates. By utilizing its scale, operational expertise and resources the company supports the critical work of its community partners to help create access to more meals for those in need.
Hospitality
Cancro Calls for a Fresh Look at Hydration as UAE Families Return to Routine


As wellness becomes a top priority for UAE families, Cancro, a wellness-focused hydration company, is calling for a rethink of how families stay hydrated during the busy season ahead. With the UAE’s long, hot climate and demanding routines, hydration plays a critical role in maintaining focus, energy, and immunity — yet it is often overlooked.
What makes Cancro’s approach different is its use of deuterium-depleted water (DDW). Most water contains a small amount of deuterium, a naturally occurring form of hydrogen sometimes referred to as heavy hydrogen. In high amounts, deuterium can slow down how efficiently cells produce energy.
DDW has much of this deuterium removed, making it lighter. Early research suggests that it may support healthier cell function, improved energy, and faster recovery — benefits that align with today’s wellness-driven lifestyles.
Health specialists point to three areas where hydration is especially important for families in September:
- Focus & Learning: Even mild dehydration can affect concentration and memory, making it harder for children to perform at school.
- Energy & Productivity: For parents balancing work and family commitments, hydration is key to sustaining energy throughout long days.
- Immunity & Recovery: Proper hydration strengthens the body’s defenses against seasonal illnesses and supports recovery after activity.
“Families in the UAE live fast-paced, high-demand lives, often in extreme heat or air-conditioned environments that contribute to dehydration,” said Arsh Mehta, Founder of Cancro. “At Cancro, we believe hydration should be about more than quenching thirst — it’s about supporting wellbeing in a holistic way. With advanced hydration solutions like deuterium-depleted water, we aim to help families feel stronger, more focused, and more resilient every day.”
Cancro is encouraging UAE families to see hydration not as routine, but as a daily health investment — one that supports sharper minds, stronger immunity, and better energy for both children and parents.
Hospitality
DIVE INTO GREATNESS: SUN DIVING WELCOMES WORLD CHAMPION FREEDIVER ALESSIA ZECCHINI TO SUN SIYAM OLHUVELI

Sun Diving is proud to present a one-of-a-kind ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13th October 2025. The event will be held at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Sunrise Beach from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Guests will have the rare opportunity to meet the athlete recognized as “The Deepest Woman in the World.”
Born in Rome in 1992, Alessia began freediving training at just 13 years old and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to dive to 100 meters in free immersion and has since reached the deepest at 123 meters in constant weight with monofin. Her inspiring career has been celebrated worldwide, including in the movie Vertical Breath and the acclaimed Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. Today, she continues to push boundaries while sharing her passion for the ocean and the importance of its conservation.
This unique guest engagement by Sun Diving offers dive enthusiasts the chance to meet Alessia during an informative talk. She will share her journey and experiences in freediving, reflect on her accomplishments, and discuss ocean preservation and breath control. Following her talk, a Q&A session will allow guests to connect directly with Alessia and the Sun Diving team. Sun Diving will also host an interactive beach experience where guests can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow water with instructors. Guests can capture photos and autographs from Alessia and explore the dive booth to learn about the world of diving and special offers at Sun Diving.
“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honor for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Center Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”
Sun Diving, the official diving arm of Sun Siyam Group, offers SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programs across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard programs, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable and memorable ocean adventures.
Hospitality
THE RETURN OF JAZZ & JUICE NIGHTS AT CUCINA, THE PALM

Jazz, cocktails and Italian flair are back! Cucina, The Palm is bringing back its much-loved Jazz & Juice Nights, starting Friday, 3rd October, where live music, Italian dining, and vibrant energy set the scene for an unforgettable night.
Every Friday and Saturday from 7pm to midnight, Cucina comes alive with a dynamic three-piece jazz trio led by award-nominated arranger and composer Rudo Pieterse on upright bass and vocals, accompanied by Jose Roman Nunez on piano and Janelle Bernado on drums. Their soulful melodies and lively rhythms fill the restaurant with energy, immersing guests in the sounds of classic jazz and the warm ambience of an Italian piazza.
Guest can enjoy two hours of unlimited beverages for just AED 165, featuring Italian classics such as the timeless Negroni and refreshing Aperol Spritz, alongside the Hugo Spritz and the restaurant’s signature Cucina Spritz – a mix of Martini Fiero, Martini Ambrato, berry shrub, sparkling wine, and chocolate bitters. Wine lovers can also explore Cucina’s unique wines-on-tap selection and savour an impressive selection of reds, whites and rosés.
For those seeking a complete dining experience, Cucina’s a la carte menu celebrates the essence of Italy. Guests can indulge in freshly made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and other Italian favourites, all crafted with fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes. Each dish is designed to complement the live entertainment and drinks, transporting diners to the heart of Italy for a truly immersive experience.
With the trio’s vibrant performances, Cucina’s lively yet sophisticated ambiance, inventive drinks offering and delicious à la carte options, Cucina’s Jazz & Juice Nights deliver the perfect weekend ritual – ideal for long evenings of dining, sipping and soaking up the atmosphere.
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