One pixel at a time, Dubai will light up the facade of the world’s tallest building to represent each donation made to relieve coronavirus-hit communities across the United Arab Emirates.
The Burj Khalifa, which stands 828 metres (2,717 feet) high, will be transformed into the “world’s tallest donation box” as part of a campaign to provide 10 million meals to low-income people.
The appeal comes during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, a time of self-reflection, prayer and charity for the faithful.
For each AED10 ($2.7) donation, one of the building’s 1.2 million LED lights will be illuminated – each representing a meal.
On Sunday, less than 24 hours since the launch of the appeal, a live count on the website indicated that more than 180,000 meals had been donated. That figure has now surpassed 280,000.
The skyscraper regularly features displays of solidarity with crisis-stricken countries – for Australia when bushfires ravaged parts of the country, and for China and Italy when they were hit hard by the Covid-19 respiratory disease.
“Representing donations as lights beaming on Burj Khalifa reflects the hope that small acts of kindness will bring to less fortunate communities as the country continues its battle against the pandemic,” Dubai’s media office said in a statement.
“They will see the impact of their contributions on the facade of the world’s tallest building.”
A countdown will be displayed on Burj Khalifa’s façade and the initiative’s website to track donations raised in real-time.
How it works
People can purchase pixels (LED lights) on Burj Khalifa for as little as AED10 each and donate a meal for low-income individuals and families in the UAE through the website www.tallestdonationbox.com.
The number of meals donors provide is relative to the number of lights they purchase. Donations will be accepted through the website from donors both in the UAE and abroad.
Can I select which light(s) to buy?
Lights are selected at random, except for the light at the tip of Burj Khalifa, which will be available to the highest bidder. To claim this light, register your bid by calling 8004006 anytime from 9am to 2pm.
What is the significance of 1.2 million?
Burj Khalifa’s façade features just over 1.2 million tiny lights, each with the ability to light up in its own unique way. The World’s Tallest Donation Box is enabling the public to light up all 1.2 million of them for AED 10 each, to provide 1.2 million meals of the same value to individuals and families most affected by the global pandemic.
10 Million Meals
The campaign is the UAE’s biggest food distribution drive to support low-income families and individuals throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
The campaign unites all echelons of the UAE society, from corporations, government and private institutions to philanthropists and the general public, to make financial and in-kind donations to provide meals and food parcels for communities most affected by the novel coronavirus, which has led to widespread unemployment and income reductions.
