Watermelon Day is just around the corner on August 3rd, and what better way to celebrate than by showing solidarity with the people of Gaza? For Palestinians, the watermelon carries deep symbolism as an enduring emblem of resistance and resilience. After the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel banned public displays of the Palestinian flag in the occupied territories. Palestinians creatively reclaimed their colours through the watermelon. Its red, black, white, and green skin mirrors their flag, turning the fruit into a quiet yet defiant act of resistance. Today, as Gaza faces relentless hardship, the watermelon reminds us that solidarity must go beyond symbolism. This Watermelon Day, take action: Donate essential supplies through these UAE-based centres. The need is urgent, and every contribution makes a difference. Keep reading to find out where you can provide aid and donations from the UAE.
Here’s Where You Can Donate
In-Person Donations
1. Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares is a UAE-based philanthropic organisation founded in 2007 by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It focuses on providing quality education and lifelong learning opportunities to underprivileged children and youth worldwide. The organisation primarily accepts financial donations, supporting initiatives like its “Gaza In Our Hearts” campaign, which funds emergency relief, including meals, food baskets, and shelter tents. Dubai Cares frequently partners with organisations like UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) and Anera (American Near East Refugee Aid) for Gaza aid and runs year-round fundraising campaigns.
How To Donate
Online Donation
- Visit the Dubai Cares website and navigate to the donation page.
- You can make a one-time or recurring donation using your credit or debit card.
- You can also choose to donate on behalf of someone.
SMS Donation
Text “DONATE” to specific numbers through Etisalat by e& or du to donate specific amounts:
- 9030 for AED 30.
- 9090 for AED 90.
- 9300 for AED 300.
- 9600 for AED 600.
- 9900 for AED 900.
Crowdfunding
- Create your own fundraising campaign on the Dubai Cares crowdfunding platform.
Direct Donation
- Make a bank transfer directly to Dubai Cares’ account.
- Send a cheque payable to Dubai Cares to their office address.
Here are the bank details:
- Account Name: Dubai Cares
- Bank Name: Emirates Islamic Bank
- Bank Address: P.O. Box 6564, Dubai, UAE
- Bank Account Number: 3707297730205
- IBAN: AE110340003707297730205
- SWIFT: MEBLAEAD
Timings: Monday – Thursday – 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Friday – 8:00 AM – 12 PM; Weekends – Closed
Contact: +971 4 450 4550
Location: Al, Building 16 – Riyadh St – Dubai
For more information, visit their website.
2. Emirates Red Crescent
The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) is the UAE’s branch of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, established in 1983 with the support of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It provides humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies, and shelter, to those affected by crises worldwide. The ERC actively supports Gaza through regular donations, including food packages, winter clothing, and seasonal aid like Iftar meals and Eid assistance. They also accept financial contributions and in-kind gifts. It runs campaigns such as “Tarahum for Gaza” in partnership with organisations like the World Food Programme.
How To Donate
Online Donation
- Visit their website or download the app.
- You can make a one-time or recurring donation using your credit or debit card.
- You can also choose to donate to someone specifically by providing their phone number.
Direct Donation
- Make a bank transfer through your mobile banking app or online banking platform.
- Navigate to the “Transfer” or “Payments” section.
- Under payment, select ‘Donation.’
- Select your preferred organisation and pay.
- Here’s how to do it if you have Emirates NBD.
Collection Centres
- Donate in person at ERC collection centres, which can be found at various locations across the UAE.
- ERC headquarters in various emirates, donation tents in malls and hypermarkets, and dedicated donation locations in specific areas.
Timings: Monday – Friday – 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Weekends – Closed
Contact: 800RED-800733
Location: Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Sharjah | Ajman | Ras Al Khaimah | Fujairah | The Eye | Al Dhafra | Umm Al Quwain
For more information, visit their website.
3. Sharjah Charity International
Sharjah Charity International, founded in 1989 under Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi’s directives, provides multifaceted humanitarian support. The organisation accepts financial donations and in-kind contributions. For Gaza relief, SCI implements projects like daily bread distribution and emergency aid shipments while offering structured orphan sponsorship programs. Their ongoing initiatives include Eid al-Adha sacrifices, Arafat Day Iftar meals, and sustained Gaza support through mosques and commercial partners. Unlike seasonal efforts, SCI maintains continuous aid distribution to address urgent needs.
How To Donate
Online Donation
- Visit the Sharjah Charity International website.
- Navigate to the Quick Donation page.
- Choose your preferred donation method.
SMS Donation
- Visit the Sharjah Charity International website.
- Navigate to the Quick Donation page.
- Click on ‘Donate By Text message’ and proceed.
In-Person Collection
- Sharjah Charity International has donation boxes located in several malls, including City Centre Al Zahia and other locations.
- To find the nearest donation box, you can search for “Sharjah Charity International donation box” on 2GIS.
- For example, the Beit Al Khair Society, which operates within the UAE, has a list of physical donation sites.
Timings: Sunday – Thursday – 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday – 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday – Closed
Contact: 800 14
Location: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Street, Samnan, Sharjah
For more information, visit their website.
4. The Big Heart Foundation
The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), launched as a campaign in 2013 and established as a foundation in 2015 by Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi, aids vulnerable children and families globally. It has helped nearly 5 million people in 35+ countries with health, education, and emergency services. TBHF accepts financial donations, Zakat, and in-kind gifts, particularly for refugees and Gaza aid. Its Gaza efforts include food vouchers, healthcare, orphan support, and PPE for UNRWA staff. The foundation provides both emergency relief and long-term development aid, partnering with organisations for sustained impact.
How To Donate
Online Donation
- Visit the Big Heart Foundation page.
- Navigate to the Donation page.
- Select your preferred amount and medium of transfer.
SMS Donation
- Navigate to the Donation page.
- Select SMS.
- Then select whether you are paying through Etisalat or Du.
Bank Transfer
- Navigate to the Donation page.
- Select Bank Transfer.
- Select your preferred donation.
- Different donations have different account details.
Here are the bank details:
- Bank Name: Sharjah Islamic Bank
- Swift Code: NBSHAEAS
- Branch: Sharjah
Timings: Monday – Thursday – 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM; Friday – Sunday – Closed
Contact: +971 6 594 1283
Location: P.O. Box 272, Sharjah – UAE
For more information, visit their website.
5. Dubai Charity Association
The Dubai Charity Association, founded in 2013, is a UAE-based humanitarian organisation providing sustainable aid locally and globally. For Gaza, it accepts financial donations (online/bank/SMS) and in-kind aid (food, medicine, supplies), delivering regular shipments and emergency relief. While not fixed to a schedule, it has conducted multiple Gaza aid campaigns, partnering with international groups for effective distribution. The association focuses on education, healthcare, and crisis response through both digital and traditional channels.
How To Donate
SMS Donation
- Visit the Dubai Charity Association website.
- Navigate to the Tarahum For Gaza page.
- Select either Etisalat or Du.
Bank Transfer
- Visit the Dubai Charity Association website.
- Navigate to the Tarahum For Gaza page.
Here are the bank details:
- Account No.: 19053654
- IBAN No.: AE340500000000019053654
In-Kind Donation
- Visit the Dubai Charity Association website.
- Navigate the In-Kind Donations page.
- Fill out your details and proceed.
Timings:
Contact: 800 94
Location: Ministry of Health & Prevention, Muhaisnah – Dubai
For more information, visit their website.
Online Donations
6. World Food Programme
The World Food Programme (WFP) operates across 120+ countries with 21,700 staff, deploying a massive logistics network of 5,000 trucks, 20 ships, and 80 aircraft daily to address global hunger, particularly in conflict zones where malnutrition rates are three times higher than in peaceful areas. Despite extreme security challenges, WFP continues life-saving operations in Gaza, where one in three people endure prolonged hunger, delivering 18,247 metric tonnes of food via 1,200+ trucks since May 21. The UAE plays a crucial support role through Dubai’s International Humanitarian City, serving as a key logistics hub for the WFP’s crisis response efforts.
How To Donate
Careem
Through Careem’s “Right Click” app, donors can support WFP’s efforts to provide wheat flour, hot meals, and nutrition supplements to 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Online Donation
- Visit the World Food Programme page and proceed to Palestine Emergency.
- Click on Donate Now.
- You can make a one-time or recurring donation using your credit or debit card.
7. UNRWA
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has provided vital humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees since 1949, operating in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The agency delivers essential services including education, healthcare, relief assistance, and social programs, while advocating for refugee rights. Funded entirely through voluntary contributions, UNRWA supports vulnerable refugee populations through schools, health clinics, and emergency aid programs across the region.
How To Donate
Online Donation
- Visit the UNRWA website.
- You can make a one-time or recurring donation using your credit or debit card.
Bank Transfer
- Make a bank transfer directly.
Here are the bank details:
- Branch: Citibank N.A. Oud Metha Road, Al Wasl Branch, Dubai, UAE.
- Account Name: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
- Account Number: 0101970019
- IBAN: AE350211000000101970019
- Swift Code: CITIAEAD
8. Malls
If you want to donate to Gaza relief efforts while visiting malls in the UAE, several major shopping centres host authorised charity campaigns. Dubai Mall frequently features donation kiosks for Emirates Red Crescent and Dubai Cares, particularly during Ramadan or emergency appeals. Mall of the Emirates in Dubai often collaborates with Sharjah Charity International and The Big Heart Foundation for food and medical aid initiatives.
In Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall regularly partners with Emirates Red Crescent for humanitarian drives, including winter clothing collections and emergency relief programs. These malls typically place donation points near main entrances or customer service areas. Before donating, it’s important to verify the campaign’s legitimacy by checking for official charity branding and proper documentation. Many of these donation drives support essential Gaza aid like food parcels, medical supplies, and emergency shelter.
Every Contribution Makes A Difference
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands urgent global support, and even small donations can save lives. Whether through UAE mall campaigns, trusted charities like Emirates Red Crescent or UNRWA, or digital platforms, your generosity provides food, medicine, and hope to those facing unimaginable hardship. Stay informed about verified initiatives, donate what you can, and share these opportunities to amplify impact. Together, we can help alleviate suffering and uphold dignity for the people of Gaza.
Don’t just recognise the symbol, support the cause. Give today, and keep standing with Gaza beyond August 3rd.
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