I’m sure one of your favourites parts of Ramadan is gathering around the table with friends and family, and breaking your fast with a meal prepared with love. But for many people in Dubai, this part doesn’t get to be their reality during Ramadan. Many hardworking individuals spend the holy month ensuring their families back home can enjoy fulfilling Iftars, often going without much themselves. This Ramadan, you can make a difference by sharing the joy of a nourishing Iftar with those in need. Keep reading to find out how you can donate Iftar meals in Dubai while following the proper guidelines.
Also read: This Ramadan Join Rove Hotels ‘Pay What You Can’ Iftar Offer To Help Children In Need Across The UAE
How To Donate Iftar Meals in Dubai
Follow The Legal Guidelines
While the intention to give is noble, it’s important to follow the rules. Distributing iftar meals without official permission is illegal in Dubai and can lead to fines of up to AED 500,000. Additionally, residents are not allowed to outsource meal preparation to restaurants unless they have a permit.
The best way to donate Iftar meals is through licensed platforms. Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) allows individuals and charities to donate meal kits and even set up food distribution tents. This process is free of charge, but the permit takes about 15 days to be approved.
Getting A Permit For Iftar Meal Distribution
To legally distribute meals, apply for a permit on IACAD’s website. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Personal details (Name, phone number, email)
- Emirates ID copy
- Event details (Name, location, and duration of the distribution)
- Number of daily meals to be distributed
- Restaurant license (if applicable)
Once approved, you can distribute meals while ensuring your initiative aligns with legal guidelines in Dubai.
Other Ways To Donate Legally
If you prefer not to distribute meals yourself, here are other ways to give back legally:
- Donate money or food supplies to licensed charities
- Contribute to iftar donation boxes in malls and public places
- Support neighbourhood meal distribution
- Hand out iftar meals and dates to passers-by
- Place water boxes in mosques
Now that you know how to donate responsibly, here are the best places to contribute this Ramadan.
Where To Donate Iftar Meals In Dubai
Dubai Charity Association
Dubai Charity Association’s Ramadan campaign helps distribute iftar meals within the UAE and internationally. Their initiative provides:
- 1 million iftar meals in the UAE
- 100,000 iftar meals abroad
- Food baskets, Eid clothing, and Zakat al-Fitr support
How to Donate:
Online:
- Visit www.dubaicharity.org
- Click the Ramadan campaign banner
- Select the number of meals you wish to donate (e.g., 4 meals for AED 60)
- Add to cart and pay via credit or debit card
Via SMS:
- On the website, select the SMS donation option
- Choose an amount (e.g., AED 50 or AED 100)
- Send an SMS with the word ‘Ramadan’ to confirm your donation
Emirates Red Crescent
Emirates Red Crescent’s ‘Ramadan Continuous Giving’ campaign helps families in need across the UAE and beyond. Their initiatives include:
- Iftar meals (starting at AED 15-20)
- Eid clothing (starting at AED 50)
- Zakat al-Fitr donations
- Ramadan food baskets (AED 100-500)
- Sadaqat (charity) donations (starting at AED 10)
- Iftar meals for families in Gaza (starting at AED 20)
How to Donate:
Online:
- Visit www.emiratesrc.ae
- Scroll to find iftar meal donations or iftar sponsorships
- Click ‘Donate Now’
- Enter the amount and pay via credit or debit card
Make A Difference This Ramadan One Iftar At A Time
Ramadan is all about community, compassion, and giving back. This year, take a moment to share the blessings of iftar with those who need it most. Whether it’s through a charity or an iftar meal donation, every contribution counts.
Let’s make this Ramadan as special for those in need around Dubai, as we make it for our families.
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