Emirati restaurant owner offers free meals to people on low incomes

Down under the high-rise apartments, through the narrow streets and side by side with residential villas in the Khalidiya district, a foodie scene is emerging.

Japanese, British, Saudi and a host of other international restaurants have opened, but two stand out from the others.

“We offer our meals for free to those who can’t afford them,” a sign reads.

Written in Arabic, it appears in the windows of Kiwi Cafeteria and Moulouk Al Shawarma (King Shawarma) – two restaurants directly opposite each other on 14th Street.

“The cost of living is very high. Most expatriates, especially those hailing from Asia and India, refrain from eating out to cut their budget,” says the Emirati owner, who does not wish to be named. “I wanted my shop to give away free meals to these group of people.”

The 31-year-old opened his first restaurant in Dubai five years ago and now owns six across the UAE. All have the same sign on public display.

Original article by Asmaa Al Hameli

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Emirati restaurant owner offers free meals to people on low incomes