Ramadan is a time of reflection, community and giving back; when taking a moment to help those less fortunate takes on even greater significance and meaning.
Throughout the Holy Month, shoppers visiting the city’s malls and diners at some of Dubai’s best-loved restaurants and cafes can play their part by donating money, everyday items and other essentials to families in the UAE and across the region.
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has partnered with Dubai-based charities as well as international humanitarian groups to provide much-needed support to those in need during Ramadan. Continuing with the city’s stringent Covid-19 regulations, all of the malls, venues and restaurants taking part in this year’s charitable efforts follow the important health and safety rules, including social distancing and a mandatory mask rule at all times.
Visitors to La Mer, City Walk and The Beach opposite JBR can enjoy great food and support the commendable work of the United Nations World Food Programme’s Share the Meal initiative. The programme was launched with the aim of providing poor students around the globe with regular meals at school. Restaurants and cafes at each venue are supporting the Share the Meal initiative during Ramadan by inviting customers to contribute by scanning a QR code to make a donation online. With stunning traditional Ramadan lights and decorations, super food options and the chance to help a good cause, La Mer, City Walk and The Beach are places to be this Ramadan.
Shoppers headed to Mercato Mall can play their part in helping two great charity initiatives aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to share donations with people in need. The ‘Share Your Blessings This Ramadan’ charity drive invites mall visitors to drop off a wide range of daily necessities and non-perishable food items in special donation boxes located around Mercato. The ‘Involve Your Children in The Spirit of Giving’ programme encourages youngsters to donate unwanted toys and games to the Emirates Red Crescent. The international charity will distribute the toys, which must be in good condition, to children around the region and beyond to help spread a little joy during Ramadan and throughout the year.
Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre DeiraandCity Centre Me’aisemhave partnered with the Emirates Red Crescent and 17 restaurants, cafes and eateries in the malls to provide free meals to families during Ramadan. As part of the Iftar Meal initiative, each restaurant will sponsor two families over the month. Participating venues include Logma, Awani, Zafran, Texas Roadhouse, P.F. Chang’s, Bosporus and Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants at City Centre Mirdif plus Gazebo at City Centre Me’aisem. At City Centre Deira, P.F. Chang’s, Nando’s and Denny will support the initiative alongside Mall of the Emirates eateries Besh, in the Sheraton Hotel, Farzi Café, The Cheesecake Factory, Ladurée, L’eto and Al Hallab. The Emirates Red Crescent will select the families to receive the iftars.
Dubai Festival City Mall’s Festival Cares initiative is hosting the special Stop and Help programme for Ramadan. Created to build awareness of the good work carried out by Festival Cares, shoppers and visitors to the mall can stop and donate everyday essentials and other much-needed necessities in support of the charity.
Online customers will help to feed hungry children in need when they order a meal via Careem NOW throughout Ramadan. As part of the charitable Eat a Plate, Fill a Plate campaign, Careem NOW has partnered with restaurants around the city to make a donation to the United Nations World Food Programme. The donated amount will match the cost of food ordered from participating outlets via the Careem NOW delivery app.
