WAM Aden, 18th July 2012 (WAM) -- Sheikh Khalifa Foundation has announced the completion of the first phase of a massive UAE food aid programme targeting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abeyan Governorate,Yemen.

The relief operation is in implementation of a AED 500 million fund provided by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for purchasing diverse food supplies for Yemeni people.

Juma Al Kuwaiti, head of the Foundation's aid team, said during a meeting specially held to mark this milestone in the aid programme, that nearly 30,000 food parcels were distributed to IDPs in Abeyan and needy families including widows and orphans in Aden Governorate.

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan gave directives to the Foundation to procure food supplies from Yemen's local markets in order to boost the country's economy.

WAM/TF