The holy month of Ramadan is right around the corner. Muslims across the world and from all walks of life will be uniting in a fast during the daylight hours, as well as engaging in worship and focusing on self-reflection and family. One of the Five Pillars of Islam, Zakat, is the practice of charitable giving and so Ramadan is also a time of increased charity especially in Muslim countries. In Dubai, Muslims and non-Muslims alike are encouraged to reach out to people less fortunate and during the next month, there will be more opportunities to do so.
Last year, Dubai’s Sharing Fridges project took over the city with over 50 fridges set up to provide donated food and drink to those in need. So it’s great news to learn that Sharing Fridges will be back during Ramadan 2017. Since H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum officially announced 2017 to be the Year of Giving, we’re sure it’ll be even bigger and better than last year. The Sharing Fridges 2017 map is updated every night but so far the generous residents of The Springs, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Al Barsha South and Dubai Marina among others have gotten involved with the spirit of giving!
There are plenty of ways to get in involved with charitable causes this Ramadan, whether you want to donate a neighbourhood fridge, money or just some time towards a good cause across a range of local initiatives from animal welfare to cancer support.
Give a care package
Adopt-a-Camp is a local initiative that aims to improve the lives of the men who built (and continue to build) the amazing city we live in. Over the last 8 years, Adopt-a-Camps’s ‘Ramadan Care Package’ has provided the city’s labourers with donated food and clothing and you should visit their Facebook page if you want to get involved.
LIVEN UP YOUR HOME WITH CHARITABLE ART
If you live in Bur Dubai, you may have seen Mawaheb – a Dubai-based art studio that gives disabled individuals and those with special needs the encouragement to express themselves through art. Purchases on all paintings, cards and ceramics go back into the charity to continue the cause!
If you are musical…
All4DownSyndrome is a charity that aims to support the families of kids with Down Syndrome, raise awareness in schools and bring the care currently provided in the region up to a better standard. They are always looking for volunteers with skills in music, dance and drama so contact them if you’ve been suppressing your performer side recently.
support the UAE’s beautiful wildlife
The Emirates Wildlife Society offers great volunteering opportunities all year long for anyone who is passionate about animals, conservation and the environment. Check out their Facebook page and websites for upcoming events and sign up to be kept updated on ways to volunteer your time and resources to this worthy cause.
Want to learn more about animal conservation? Anyone living near Jumeirah should drop by the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project on Wednesday mornings when the project is open to the public. In addition to providing more information on how sick and injured sea turtles are rescued, rehabilitated and eventually returned to the sea, visitors can interact with and feed them themselves.
Bring an iftar gift that keeps on giving
The Little Fair Trade Shop is a Dubai-based online store that sells a vast range of gifts, stationery and jewellery that’s good to both the artists that make them and to the charities they support. When you’re in the market for an Iftar gift, buy something that supports amazing organisations such as the Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children in Palestine, Swajan in Bangladesh, Bani Hamida Women’s Weaving Project in Jordan and Friends Handicraft.
Give support to cancer patients
Anyone living in Sharjah can volunteer with Friends of Cancer Patients which provides support for sufferers of this awful disease and their families across the UAE.
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