By Rafiq Vayani
ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways has launched the Etihad Ramadan Box initiative to bring Iftar meals to homes across the UAE. The airline has partnered with Zomato, the world’s largest restaurant search and discovery platform and one of the UAE’s largest food delivery apps, to deliver these meals to those affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) including hospitals, essential workers, volunteers and communities in need.
Those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, through sickness or financial impact, can request one of the Etihad Ramadan Boxes through the Zomato app, and a freshly prepared meal will be delivered directly from Etihad’s Catering facility in Abu Dhabi.
Robin Kamark, Chief Commercial Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Ramadan is a traditional time for gathering with friends and family, but with the impact of COVID-19, this year it is more challenging to do so. In these extraordinary times, we wanted to bring a touch of our signature inflight hospitality to our local community and recognise the incredible efforts of the UAE’s medical staff and essential workers.”
As well as the ready prepared meals delivered by Zomato, selected volunteers, healthcare and key workers will also receive a box filled with fresh ingredients and an easy to follow recipe. These Etihad Ramadan Boxes offer the opportunity to create themed cuisine from around the world easily at home and have been designed and curated by Etihad Airways’ world-class Inflight Chefs.
Mr Kamark adds: “Our Inflight Chefs come from all over the world bringing a wide range of cuisines and cooking traditions into the mix. This diversity is celebrated in the Etihad Ramadan Boxes which will showcase a range of international flavours ready to be enjoyed at home.”
Karl Baz, Regional Director, Zomato, said: “Zomato’s motto is ‘Better food for more people’, and we have always been very committed to being the type of company that gives back to the community. We understand that there are people that may need some support right now, and this partnership with Etihad Airways is one more way we can do our best to help. Whether a person is sick, recently lost their job, or simply needs a helping hand, the Etihad Ramadan Boxes are offered purely on trust, and are a gesture of goodwill at this challenging time. We are proud to be working with Etihad Airways on this.”
Etihad’s Inflight Chefs are also offering their culinary expertise in a series of cooking demonstrations featured in the Etihad @ Home series on the airline’s social media channels. The chefs have demonstrated quick and easy recipes to bring tastes from around the world to the comfort of people’s home. Visit @etihadairways on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for the latest videos.
