In the heart of Dubai, several restaurants have transformed their culinary ventures into beacons of compassion, offering more than just delicious food. These eateries have embraced a mission of community service, providing free meals to those in need. This article highlights the inspiring stories behind these establishments, showcasing how they blend business success with genuine compassion, creating havens for those facing financial hardship.
Al Afandi Butchery and Grills
Mahdi Kilani, a Jordanian expat, turned his passion for food into Al Afandi Butchery and Grills in Dubai after retiring from banking. Along with his partner, Theeb, Mahdi not only serves delicious food but also fulfills a heartfelt mission to provide free meals to those in need, driven by their religious and cultural duty. Without assessing eligibility, the restaurant quietly feeds 5-15 people weekly and has become a community-supported initiative.
During Ramadan, Al Afandi serves around 30,000 meals to those breaking their fast, with support from the community. Mahdi's employees, who see this as a family effort, actively participate in these charitable acts. Looking ahead, Mahdi and Theeb aim to expand their services, hoping to serve 100,000 meals during Ramadan, believing in the principle that giving back brings blessings.
Mehdi concludes with a powerful message to other business owners:
"This is very important, giving back to the community is an integral part of our philanthropic contribution. As Muslims, whatever we give comes back to us, so don't hesitate to support your community and people in need. I request all people with means and similar restaurants, as well as other businesses, to support the community around them without hesitating. It's a good deed, and you will be rewarded, inshallah."
Shinwari Tikka
Shinwari Tikka in Hor Al Anz is the latest venture for brothers Jamshed and Nasir, who have carried their family's legacy of community service from Pakistan to Dubai. After facing business challenges back home, they launched the restaurant with a vision to expand across Dubai, bringing the authentic flavors of Shinwari Karahi to the city.
Their mission goes beyond serving delicious food; they are committed to providing free meals to anyone in need, particularly low-income workers in their neighborhood. Without judgment or questions, they offer meals to those who cannot afford to pay, integrating them discreetly with paying customers to preserve their dignity.
In just two months, Shinwari Tikka has already made a significant impact, serving 20-25 people in need daily. Jamshed and Nasir believe in the values of sharing and compassion, inspired by their parents' teachings that giving back brings prosperity. They plan to open more branches across Dubai, maintaining their commitment to community service at each location and encouraging other businesses to do the same.
Jamshed’s message to other business owners is clear and heartfelt:
"If you have the means, don’t hesitate to support your community. Giving back doesn’t just help others; it brings blessings and growth to your own business. I hope Allah keeps me in good health and wealth so I can continue doing this."
Foul W Hummus
Foul W Hummus, a famous restaurant in Al Barsha known for its authentic Palestinian cuisine, is also a symbol of compassion in the sprawling city of Dubai. Founded by Jordanian expat Fadi Ayyad, Foul W Hummus first started operations in 2011.
Outside the restaurant, a sign is prominently displayed with the message "If you can't buy food, it's for free. This is a gift from Allah (God)," inviting people from all walks of life to step in and have a meal regardless of their ability to pay. The sign is visible outside all Foul W Hummus outlets across Dubai and Sharjah.
Originally a systems engineer who came to Dubai in 1999, Fadi didn’t always have philanthropic intentions when he ventured into the restaurant business. The shift to helping those in need was an unexpected outcome of being in the land of Zayed, whose vision and values Fadi greatly admired.
As reported by The National, Fadi notes,
"I did not expect the moral and human benefit of being there, and the feeling of real success from helping a poor person who needs to eat, which is the right of every human being."
At Foul W Hummus, those in need can choose from a variety of dishes—whether it's falafel, fool with hummus, or sandwiches—alongside free coffee and tea. The initiative benefits around 30 people daily, and the restaurant remains open to visitors seeking help every day of the week. Apart from providing free meals, the restaurant also collects donations for the Emirates Red Crescent.
Fadi Ayyad’s generosity has drawn people from diverse backgrounds to his restaurants. As reported by Khaleej Times, he particularly recalls the tale of an Australian woman who frequented the Barsha outlet,
“We even had a regular diner - an Australian lady who came here every day to eat for free for almost a year. We knew she had some problems and we never charged her for the meals."
The restaurant has never faced financial trouble from this service. Fadi feels it has only brought him more business. Fadi Ayyad’s journey from a restaurateur to a humanitarian reflects a deep-seated belief in the power of community support, and Foul W Hummus exemplifies how a business can blend success with genuine compassion, creating a haven for those in need while staying true to its culinary roots.
Bab Al Falah
Bab Al Falah, founded 24 years ago by Indian expat Umar AM in Souk Al Kabir, started as a small eatery but has grown into both a successful business and a humanitarian mission. Originally, providing free meals to job seekers wasn't part of the plan, but Umar's perspective changed after witnessing the struggles of many in the Gulf without stable visas. This led him to start offering free meals to those in need, turning his restaurant into a beacon of compassion.
Since March 2000, Bab Al Falah has provided free meals to job seekers, expanding the initiative as more people sought help. Today, the restaurant serves up to 25 people daily. Despite the years, their commitment to service remains strong. Umar fondly recalls a moment in India when someone recognized him and expressed gratitude for the support they received at his restaurant during a difficult time. This heartfelt appreciation is something Umar cherishes deeply.
Bab Al Falah funds its free meal service through its own profits, with Umar choosing not to accept donations to maintain consistency and avoid handling unused funds. He remains committed to helping others without judgment, even if those who take free food can afford to pay. Looking ahead, Umar is dedicated to continuing his mission of doing good for as long as he lives, with hopes to expand his efforts even after retirement.
MyGovinda's
MyGovindas in Karama, founded by Indian entrepreneur Mahesh Advani, started with a mission to introduce authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine to Dubai. Over time, it has become a lifeline for those in financial hardship, offering free meals through its “Kindness Fridge” initiative. Director Sanjit Advani, who joined the family business with a background in hospitality, has been instrumental in expanding this community program, which began 10-15 years ago to provide free meals to those who couldn't afford them.
The Kindness Fridge is stocked twice daily with nutritious meals, and during the summer, it includes fresh fruit and water. On average, each MyGovindas outlet serves 20-25 people daily, with numbers soaring during the COVID-19 pandemic to 200-300 meals daily for construction workers and laborers in need.
Despite the initiative’s scale, Sanjit emphasizes that profitability has never been a concern, focusing instead on helping others. The initiative has inspired others to give back, with many customers sponsoring meals. Sanjit plans to partner with the UAE Food Bank and already collaborates with Hala Taxi to offer Iftar meals during Ramadan. He credits the restaurant’s employees, many from low-income backgrounds, as the true heroes behind the initiative. Their dedication ensures that MyGovindas continues to serve the community with humility and compassion.
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