Ramadan in Dubai, a time for generosity and giving

With its cultural diversity, religious tolerance and spirit of giving, Dubai is the perfect place to spend Ramadan - a time of unity, generosity, and reflection. The holy month is particularly special here in the city, as individuals and businesses alike come together to embrace the traditions of the season and support those in need.

The act of charitable giving is a fundamental aspect of Ramadan. In Dubai, throughout the holy month, companies and organisations step up for a season of giving through charity and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Taking many forms, such as donating a portion of profits to charity, organising community service events, or supporting local causes, these initiatives make a real difference to people’s lives.

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, across Dubai there are a wealth of ways to join in and do your bit, including taking part in fun activities throughout the month, while at the same time, helping those who are less fortunate.

1 Billion Meals Endowment

What better way to mark Ramadan than helping to provide one billion meals for those in need? The 1 Billion Meals Endowment is a Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global initiative, and is the world’s largest food endowment fund. The campaign, which began on the first day of Ramadan, encourages the community to donate to help provide a food safety net for the vulnerable and those impacted by conflicts and natural disasters. The endowment will close when AED 1 billion is raised. You can contribute to the campaign at www.1billionmeals.ae, through bank transfers to the official bank account or through the DubaiNow app, by SMS, or by calling 800 9999.

Ramadan Festival for People of Determination

One such CSR initiative in Dubai is the Ramadan Festival for People of Determination, held at the Dubai Club for People of Determination. Join the 15-day festival (running until  14 April), which includes various educational, entertainment, and community events and competitions, as well as providing a platform for disabled individuals to participate in Ramadan festivities and feel included in the community.

Expo City Dubai Spartan Kids Night Race

This brand new event is helping both children and adults embrace the spirit of giving this Ramadan at the legacy site of Expo 2020. The Expo City Dubai Spartan Kids Night Race charity event is designed to enhance the idea of donation in children, and, at the same time, encourage an active lifestyle

The inaugural race takes place on 15 April. Kids can tackle a challenging obstacle course with the help of experienced coaches and volunteers, providing a fun and safe experience for children aged 4-14 years. Younger kids will gain confidence while having a great time running, jumping, climbing, and crawling, while older kids can compete in timed heats against others.

Share Your Blessings This Ramadan at Mercato

Shoppers at the Mercato mall can donate to the “Share Your Blessings This Ramadan” initiative in partnership with Emirates Red Crescent, by contributing non-perishable food, toys, clothes and books at the dedicated donation boxes that are located at the entrance of the mall.

Celebrate a 'green' Iftar

The month of Ramadan is not only a time to abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. In recent years, communities around the world have also used Ramadan to rally around themes of social awareness. This includes understanding ways to avoid wastefulness, embracing the link between Ramadan and environmental consciousness.

One example of this thinking in action is at Al-Wāha by Conrad Dubai, which is demonstrating the spirit of giving during Ramadan in Dubai with a first-ever, one-of-a-kind immersive experience that promises guests an unforgettable dining experience - with sustainability at its core.

Running until 22 April, visitors will step into a magnificent oasis through a 10-metre-long tunnel illuminated with fairy lights creating a magical ambience, complemented by delicious Iftar and Suhoor menus that offer not only culinary treats but also encourage visitors to be mindful about the planet.

It’s part of a Green Ramadan initiative from the hotel operator Hilton, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) West Asia and tech company Winnow Solutions. The initiative involves food waste reduction efforts across Conrad Dubai, including digitally-led tracking of food waste throughout the holy month and various measures to reduce food waste and drive awareness around sustainability. The Conrad Dubai team is serving sustainable, plant-based, locally sourced food items to guide and promote awareness, centred on mindful carbon impact and reducing food waste.

These are just some of the many charitable and sustainable initiatives taking place this Ramadan in Dubai. Throughout the holy month, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) is organising events and experiences for residents and visitors alike. It's the perfect time to embrace the great weather, explore the city's unique culture, learn more about the traditions of the season, and make this a Ramadan in Dubai to remember.