Making a Difference: Meaningful Ways to Give Back this Ramadan in Dubai
Ramadan is an important month for Muslims all around the world. It is a time for fasting, prayer, and reflection. During this month, individuals abstain from food and drink from sunrise till sunset to focus on their spiritual growth and their relationships with others. Ramadan also brings families and friends together. At sunset, people break their fast with a big meal known as iftar. They share stories and talk about their day, strengthening their relationships with loved ones.
Apart from fasting, many people also take this opportunity to give back to their communities. They donate money, food, and clothing to those in need and volunteer their time to support local charities. This is a great way to show compassion and kindness towards others.
In Dubai, there are numerous organizations and initiatives that provide opportunities for individuals to give back during Ramadan. These acts of charity not only benefit those in need but also foster a sense of community and solidarity among residents in Dubai.
Share the spirit of Ramadan and give back; here are Dubai-based charities you can support during the holy month!
Emirates Red Crescent
The Emirates Red Crescent is the biggest and one of the oldest charity organizations in the country. Established in 1983 with the support of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, the Red Crescent has been providing humanitarian aid and support to those in need both locally and internationally. In 2023, the Red Crescent gathered thousands of dirhams to support families in Turkey during the devasting earthquake. More recently, they've also set up a Tarahum fund to aid those suffering from the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
The organization allows you to donate to hundreds of different causes, from Iftar tents to school supplies, making sure every fils is put to help others. Your contribution is sure to help, no matter how small. Starting from just 5 AED, the donations can make a huge impact on the lives of those in need.
For the Holy Month, the Red Crescent is providing various initiatives to give back in Ramadan.
| Initiative | Starting Donation |
|---|---|
| Breaking Fast | 5 AED |
| Ramadan Food Box | 10 AED |
| Offering Iftar | 15 AED |
| Zakat Al Fitr | 25 AED |
| Eideya (Eid Money) | 50 AED |
| Eid Clothing | 50 AED |
Aside from the Ramadan initiatives, the Red Crescent also has volunteer programs and donations for other causes like:
- Building water wells
- Supporting refugees
- Sponsoring orphans
- Aiding medical research
Location: Garhoud | Various donation boxes across the city
Contact: 800733
Dubai Cares
For more than ten years, Dubai Cares has been tirelessly working towards the noble cause of providing education and learning opportunities to children across the globe, irrespective of their gender, nationality, or socioeconomic status. With a firm belief in the transformative power of education, Dubai Cares has been instrumental in implementing various programs and initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of millions of children in developing countries.
Through its initiatives, Dubai Cares has been able to provide access to quality education, enhance the learning environment, and improve educational outcomes, thereby paving the way for a brighter future for these children. By nurturing a love for learning and empowering children with skills and knowledge, Dubai Cares has been able to help these children break free from the shackles of poverty and shape their own destinies.
| Initiative | Starting Donation |
|---|---|
| Providing a child's education for 1 day | 5 AED |
| Provides 25 school meals to a hungry child | 25 AED |
| 6 textbooks to school | 70 AED |
Location: Dubai Healthcare City | Donation boxes in various locations
Contact: 04-450-4550
Dar Al Ber
Dar Al Ber, which has been in the game since 1979, is one of the top nonprofit organizations in the country. For years, the charity has been able to effectively provide essential services and support to those in need, making a significant impact on the community. Additionally, Dar Al Ber has consistently maintained transparency in their operations, even being named the 'most transparent charity in the Arab world' by Forbes Middle East.
This Ramadan, Dar Al Ber is continuing their mission of helping those in need by launching several new initiatives to provide assistance and support during the holy month. For just 10 AED, you can feed a family that's fasting, and you even have the option to upgrade to an Iftar Basket, which includes additional food items to ensure families have a fulfilling meal.
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road
Contact: 04-318-5999
UAE Food Bank
Established in 2017 under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the UAE Food Bank is dedicated to feeding the underprivileged while also reducing food waste in the country. As the first food bank in the United Arab Emirates, it has successfully distributed millions of meals to those in need and continues to expand its reach through partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
Not only does the food bank take excess food from supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants to repackage and donate, but also takes inedible food to repurpose as fertilizers and animal feed. So, when you're enjoying your Ifatr with your loved ones and have some leftovers, don't throw them out! Instead, head to the UAE Food Bank and give them to someone who's truly in need.
Location: Multiple branches including Al Quoz and Satwa
Contact: 800900
Beit Al Khair
Bait Al Khair is a remarkable nonprofit organization that has been serving the community since 1989. It has earned a stellar reputation for its exceptional efforts in providing support to the less fortunate, regardless of their background or social status. One of the outstanding aspects of this charity is that it extends its services to residents in all seven emirates of the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Its mission is to assist those in need, such as widows, divorcees, senior citizens, and low-income families, by providing them with basic necessities like food, shelter, and medical aid. Bait Al Khair's unwavering commitment to serving the community has made it one of the most respected and reliable charities in the region.
Location: Multiple donation boxes around the city including Al Karama and Zaabeel
Contact: 800-22554
Dubai Charity Association
Dubai Charity Association is a top charity organization in the city, and not only does it allow you to donate to whatever cause of your choice, but it also allows you to create your charity! If you have a cause that you think isn't getting the attention it deserves, all you have to do is apply through the website.
For Ramadan, you have the chance to feed an entire family starting from only 15 AED. This initiative helps provide essential food items to those in need during the holy month, making a significant impact on their lives. Your donation can make a difference in ensuring that families have enough to eat during Ramadan.
| Initiative | Starting Donation |
|---|---|
| Iftar Sayim | 15 AED |
| Zakat Al Fitr | 25 AED |
Location: Muhaisanah
Contact: 80094
Al Jalila Foundation
Founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Al Jalila Foundation is one of the biggest nonprofit organizations in the medical field. Since 2013, the organization has helped over eight thousand patients suffering from various conditions.
When you donate to Al Jalila, you're not only changing someone's life, but you're also saving it. Your contribution, which can be as little as 10 AED, goes towards funding medical research, scholarships for aspiring healthcare professionals, and providing treatment for those in need. By supporting Al Jalila Foundation, you are making a lasting impact on the healthcare industry in the UAE and beyond.
Location: Dubai Healthcare City
Contact: 800-255-25452