Avoid AED 500,000 Fine: Right Way to Donate Iftar in Dubai

One of the most awaited moments of Ramadan is when family, friends, and loved ones gather to break fast with food that has been prepared with a lot of love. It is not always the case with many people living in Dubai, though, as some hardworking citizens spend the holy month making sure that back home, the family enjoys their iftar while they themselves don’t have much. To tackle this issue, there is a right way to donate iftar in Dubai.

This Ramadan, one can share kindness in the form of wholesome food with someone needy. Discover the simple method of giving away iftar meals in Dubai, strictly following the rules.

Donate Iftar in Dubai the Right Way

Go by Legal Regulations

Although your intent of giving back to the community is good, however, there is the legal framework in Dubai for doing so. There is no distribution of meals in this regard without the required permits. Fines can vary from AED 100 to AED 500,000. Also, there should not be meal preparations from restaurants arranged for residents unless they receive an official permit to do so.

The most effective and authorized way to donate iftar meal​ in Dubai is by going through the different registered charities and organizations. Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) provides permits for individuals and charities to donate meal packages and even set up food distribution tents. The process, albeit free, takes around 15 days for approval.

Application for Permit to Distribute Meals

For you to be able to distribute iftar meals legally, you need to complete the form for obtaining a permit on the IACAD website. Here are important details that you will be required to provide:

• Personal information (Name, Contact Details)
• Copy of Emirates ID
• Event details – Name, Location and Duration
• Estimated number of meals to be distributed daily
• Restaurant license (if applicable)

Once your permit is approved, you can proceed with meal distribution while ensuring compliance with Dubai’s regulations.

Alternative Ways to Contribute

However, if you’re not actually interested in giving meals, other ways might really be meaningful to donate:

• Donate food supplies or cash to licensed charitable organizations
• Contribute to iftar meal donation boxes in malls and public areas
• Support local meal distribution initiatives in your community
• Offer iftar meals and dates to people in need
• Provide bottled water at mosques for people breaking their fast

Where to Donate Iftar Meals in Dubai

Dubai Charity Association

The Ramadan campaign by the Dubai Charity Association is meant for distributing iftar meals both from within and outside the country. This program consists of:

• One million iftar meals across the country.
• 100,000 other iftar meals in the world.
• Food baskets, Eid clothing, and money meant for Zakat al-Fitr.

How to Donate:

• Online: Go to dubaicharity.org, choose the Ramadan campaign, decide on the number of meals to donate, and pay.
• Via SMS: For those who choose an amount on the website, they send an SMS with the word “Ramadan” to confirm their donation.

Emirates Red Crescent

Emirates Red Crescent’s “Ramadan Continuous Giving” campaign aims to reach and serve families in need in the UAE and beyond. Their programs include:

• Donate iftar meal UAE (from AED 15-20)
• Eid Clothes for underprivileged families
• Zakat al-Fitr contributions
• Ramadan food baskets (from AED 100-500)
• Charitable sadaqah donations
• Iftar meal donations for families in Gaza (bread starts from AED 20)

How to Donate:

• Online: emiratesrc.ae. Select your initiative, enter your chosen amount, and check out.

Make an Impact This Ramadan

Every Ramadan is the manifestation of an extraordinary community spirit. Be sure to sign up for this opportunity to give back this Ramadan through Ramadan iftar meal donation ​to the less fortunate. Whether donating directly to an accredited charity or using a donation collection drive, every little bit helps.

So let’s try together that as we eat meals with our families, we also share Ramadan’s blessings with those who need it around Dubai