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Ramadan

by Barbara Yakimchuk

The Ultimate Guide To Charity During Ramadan

7 Mar 2025

Photo: Curated Lifestyle

Ramadan is already here, and for the whole month, a lot of people living in Dubai will be observing the traditions and values it brings. A fundamental part of the Holy Month is charity — an opportunity to dive into its true essence by showing gratitude, respect, and compassion. Many see charity in its simplest form: donating money to those in need. However, during Ramadan, it takes on a much broader meaning — whether it is sharing food with neighbours, contributing to charitable funds, or volunteering. And it isn't just individuals who take part; government authorities and businesses also play a significant role. So, how does charity work in the UAE during Ramadan? And how can you get involved in these acts of kindness? Let us explore below.

Charity as a tradition during Ramadan

Charity is not limited to just Ramadan — it continues throughout the year, with organisations running initiatives and donations being made, whether for specific causes or simply out of goodwill. However, during Ramadan, charity holds special significance and a deeper meaning. It is usually divided into two types:
Zakat — an obligatory donation, amounting to roughly 2.5% of a person’s accumulated wealth over the year.
Sadaqah — a voluntary donation, given out of generosity with no fixed amount.
While there are no precise figures on global charitable donations, in the UK alone (where Muslims make up about 7% of the population), Muslims donated an estimated £100 million in 2016. In the UAE, it is difficult to track the overall amounts. However, the scale of charitable giving is evident through government-led initiatives, making the impact of Ramadan charity particularly visible. This year, Dubai’s Ramadan campaign, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is called "Fathers’ Endowment," aimed at creating a fund to provide treatment and healthcare to those in need, with a target of raising 1 billion AED.

Why Ramadan is about charity and what it actually includes?

People often think of charity in a straightforward way — donating money to a specific organisation, whether it is one dedicated to helping disabled children or a broader charity supporting people in different life circumstances. However, during Ramadan, charity takes on a much wider meaning. It is not just about financial donations and can also involve volunteering, donating essentials, or simply sharing food.
Sharing food is particularly significant. The evening meal that breaks the fast, known as Iftar, is a deeply communal experience, traditionally shared with family, friends, and (most importantly) neighbours. This sense of togetherness is key. That is why people are usually advised to accept an invitation to an Iftar, even if they are not Muslim, as a sign of respect and appreciation for the tradition.
I remember when I worked in a company where many of my colleagues were fasting during Ramadan. Throughout the holy month and (of course) before Eid, they would often bring in treats to share. It was a beautiful way of bringing people together, regardless of background.
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Photo: Curated Lifestyle

Rules to remember if you want to take part in charity during Ramadan

If you are donating through an organised and authorised body, that is perfectly fine. Similarly, if you volunteer while following all the required laws and through official institutions, you are good to go. However, there are several rules you might unintentionally break, so here is what to watch out for.
1. If you plan to share meals
Remember that Dubai law prohibits the distribution of Iftar meals without prior approval from the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD). Additionally, outsourcing meal preparation to unauthorised restaurants is also prohibited. This is mainly done to ensure that donated food is not prepared under unsanitary conditions. The penalties for breaching this can be hefty — up to 50,000 AED. So, there are two options to ensure you are safe:
  • Submit a request for a permit in advance — The free permit takes about 15 days to process. You will need to provide basic details about yourself or the organisation, along with information on the number of meals and how they will be distributed.
  • Distribute food legally — The easiest thing — you can donate to authorised organisations. Collection boxes are also often available in malls and public spaces. Another option is simply to provide food directly to people you know, such as neighbours.
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Photo: Curated Lifestyle

2. If you plan to donate money
Make sure you are interacting with a legally recognised charity. As per UAE law, people are prohibited from hosting, organising, or carrying out any fundraising activity to collect or accept funds from the public. If someone asks you for money on behalf of an unknown organisation, it is best to double-check all the information to make sure that the funds will be used for a legitimate cause.
One of the most well-known charitable organisations in Dubai is the Dubai Charity Association. In 2025, they aim to distribute 1.2 million Iftar meals across the UAE and around 150,000 abroad. Donations start from as little as 10 AED, so everyone can contribute to this great cause (or simply use one you are sure of).
3. If you are planning to volunteer
Make sure you meet the necessary requirements. Generally, you need to be a UAE resident, at least 18 years old, and in good health, depending on the type of work.
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Photo: Joel Muniz

How do businesses take part in Ramadan charity initiatives?

Ramadan would not be complete without charity initiatives from big companies. And this is not just a marketing move — many businesses employ Muslim staff, so it is important for them to demonstrate that their values align with the principles of Ramadan. So, what are these initiatives?
  • Money Contribution Initiatives
One example this year is Costa Coffee, which has partnered with the Al Jalila Foundation for a charity initiative this year. Through this collaboration, customers can purchase a gift card for 15 AED, with all the proceeds going towards medical assistance for those who need it. The beauty of this initiative is the awareness it raises — many who grab a coffee daily are non-Muslim, but now likely to see this opportunity and get involved.
  • Meal Contribution Initiatives
This year, Talabat has teamed up with IASAD to launch the "Hero Meal" programme, allowing Talabat users to donate meals to drivers. Many of the delivery drivers in the UAE are Muslim, and fasting during Ramadan can be particularly challenging for them, and this initiative provides a way to thank them. Additionally, this year Amazon UAE and the UAE Food Bank are collaborating (for the fifth time) to donate and deliver Iftar meals to families in need.
  • Common Iftars
Many brands host Iftars for their employees as part of the tradition of sharing a meal during Ramadan. Also, during this Holy Month, many mosques open their doors to both Muslim and non-Muslim people to share a meal together.
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Photo: Talabat, Amazon

I want to take part in charity initiative: What to do?

The easiest way to contribute is through donations. There are several official charity organisations that make it simple to donate an amount that suits you:
On their website, they offer various options to help those in need, such as donating clothes (200 AED), large (500 AED) and medium (250 AED) food baskets, or a simple Iftar meal (15 AED). The association works in collaboration with mobile providers Du and Etisalat, so you can either transfer the required amount of money or have it withdrawn from your mobile account.
They also offer different types of aid to suit various budgets. These include Eid clothing (50 AED), Iftar meals (15-20 AED), and Ramadan food supplies.
As mentioned earlier, this initiative is focused on providing healthcare and support for the less fortunate.
This Ramadan, Dubai Cares has launched a fundraising campaign dedicated to supporting the people of Gaza. Donations will go towards providing hot meals, food baskets, and essential shelters. Donations start from as little as 5 AED. And in conclusion, I would like to share the words of my Muslim friend — a kind of inspiration:
Charity embodies the very essence of Ramadan; one can’t exist without the other. Ramadan emphasizes empathy, and charity is a vehicle for that empathy. Helping the less fortunate, whether through donations, food distribution, or volunteering, fosters a sense of unity and compassion within communities.
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