UAE

A Closer Look: Who is behind the UAE's free iftar meals this Ramadan?

We hear from reporter Ali Al Shouk

The National

March 14, 2024

  • English
  • Arabic

In A Closer Look, The National provides an in-depth take on one of the main stories of the week

During Ramadan, it is traditional for fasting Muslims to come together and share iftar after the sun sets.

For many low-income workers, there is the opportunity to gather and receive a free meal from charitable organisations embracing the tradition of giving during the holy month.

Some are even being offered small iftar meals through their car window at red traffic lights.

Here, host Sarah Forster speaks to The National's Ali Al Shouk who has been witnessing these acts of kindness and finding out who is behind them.

Read more

Ramadan 2024: Hundreds break fast at iftar tents under UAE humanitarian drive

Dubai non-profit sets goal of giving half a million free iftar meals to labourers

Non-profit hands out iftar meals in Dubai: in pictures

The Giving Family hands out iftar meals to blue collar workers in Al Quoz Industrial 1. All photos: Antonie Robertson/The National
The Giving Family hands out iftar meals to blue collar workers in Al Quoz Industrial 1. All photos: Antonie Robertson/The National
The non-profit has teamed up with thousands of volunteers to serve more than 500,000 meals
The non-profit has teamed up with thousands of volunteers to serve more than 500,000 meals
Fadie Musallet, founder of The Giving Family and cast member of Netflix's Dubai Bling, hands out a meal
Fadie Musallet, founder of The Giving Family and cast member of Netflix's Dubai Bling, hands out a meal
He said he was inspired by the 1 Billion Meals campaign launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai
He said he was inspired by the 1 Billion Meals campaign launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai
Individuals, charities, restaurants and companies donated funds through Beit Al Khair Society to provide the meals
Individuals, charities, restaurants and companies donated funds through Beit Al Khair Society to provide the meals
Last year, The Giving Family provided more than 200,000 iftar meals to workers during the holy month
Last year, The Giving Family provided more than 200,000 iftar meals to workers during the holy month
During Ramadan, it is customary for Muslims to participate in charity, giving food and money to help those less fortunate
During Ramadan, it is customary for Muslims to participate in charity, giving food and money to help those less fortunate
The meals, which cost Dh7 ($1.91) to make, consist of a portion of chicken biryani, a carton of juice and three dates
The meals, which cost Dh7 ($1.91) to make, consist of a portion of chicken biryani, a carton of juice and three dates
Residents who want to independently distribute iftar meals must apply for permission from Dubai's Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department
Residents who want to independently distribute iftar meals must apply for permission from Dubai's Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department
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UAE rugby season

FIXTURES

West Asia Premiership

Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Knights Eagles

Dubai Tigers v Bahrain

Jebel Ali Dragons v Abu Dhabi Harlequins

UAE Division 1

Dubai Sharks v Dubai Hurricanes II

Al Ain Amblers v Dubai Knights Eagles II

Dubai Tigers II v Abu Dhabi Saracens

Jebel Ali Dragons II v Abu Dhabi Harlequins II

Sharjah Wanderers v Dubai Exiles II

 

LAST SEASON

West Asia Premiership

Winners – Bahrain

Runners-up – Dubai Exiles

UAE Premiership

Winners – Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Runners-up – Jebel Ali Dragons

Dubai Rugby Sevens

Winners – Dubai Hurricanes

Runners-up – Abu Dhabi Harlequins

UAE Conference

Winners – Dubai Tigers

Runners-up – Al Ain Amblers

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Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

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