Dubai Turns Burj Khalifa Into 'World's Tallest Donation Box' to Feed Unemployed Workers

Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, became a glowing charity box as an organization raised millions of dollars to fight hunger in the United Arab Emirates amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2,717-foot-tall skyscraper’s 1.2 million external lights were ‘sold’ for 10 dirhams ($2.70) apiece, enough money for one meal. Donations ‘filled up’ the building light by light over nine days, with some people bidding for the light at the building’s top.

Footage posted online on May 13 captures a light show detailing the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) 10 Million Meal campaign, with a voiceover saying: “It only takes a little to light up someone’s life.”

The lack of tourism amid the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the UAE’s economy, with many laborers out of work. As of May 13, the UAE reported 20,386 cases of COVID-19 and 206 deaths.

The ‘donation box’ had raised funds for more than 1.2 million meals as of May 11, the MBRGI told media, and about 300,000 meals are being distributed daily. Credit: Dubai Media Office via Storyful