By Frauke Aoun, General Manager of Sila, and Affini by Marriot International
in collaboration with Sustainability Kiosk
At Sustainability Kiosk, we view Ramadan giving not only as charity, but as a powerful activation of the social pillar of sustainability. When structured thoughtfully, it builds community resilience, strengthens corporate culture, and embeds governance into generosity. On the journey towards Net Positive Hospitality, we encourage individuals and organisations to view giving not just as a seasonal gesture, but also as a part of a structured, measurable social impact strategy.
Ramadan is a time of reflection, gratitude, and generosity. It is the month where compassion moves from intention into action, where small acts of kindness turn into lasting impact.
So often, we are tempted to look far away when thinking of charity or giving back, imagining that doing good means reaching distant communities. Yet it is especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan that we are reminded to localise our giving and efforts, to look around us, notice the needs in our neighbourhoods, and create meaningful impact close to home, supporting neighbours and vulnerable communities within our cities.
We believe giving should feel accessible, meaningful, and aligned with your values. Whether you want to donate AED 10 toward an iftar, gift gently used clothing to a family in need, support a food box initiative, or begin your giving journey by volunteering, there is something for everyone.
It’s not about the size of the contribution. It’s about the sincerity behind it.
Below is your comprehensive guide to giving back during the Holy Month in the UAE.
Donate Gently Used Items (In-Kind Giving)
Giving sustainably is powerful. Donating gently used clothing, shoes, toys, books, and household essentials extends the lifecycle of items while supporting families in need.
Where to Donate:
1) The Giving Family
An initiative born in Ramadan accepting donations in collaboration with Tarahum Charity Foundation via Donation Boxes at all The Daily Restaurants at Rove Hotels around the city.
2) Dubai Holding – Gift It Forward Initiative
A Ramadan campaign encouraging residents to donate gently used items and participate in structured volunteer opportunities.
3) Local mosque collection drives
Tip: Ensure items are clean, gently used, and packed respectfully. Dignity is part of the donation.
Donate Food & Grocery Essentials
Food security remains one of the most impactful forms of giving during Ramadan.
How to Contribute:
Look for supermarket donation boxes and participate in “Buy One, Give One” or bulk offers for staples such as rice, lentils, flour, cooking oil, dates, powdered milk, and canned goods and place them in designated bins.
Even small gestures of giving back matter: offering water, dates, or pieces of fruit to delivery riders, cleaners, or workers within your community is an act of kindness that embodies the spirit of Ramadan.
You can also support structured campaigns through:
UAE Food Bank Charity Fridges – Offering Iftar sponsorships, Ramadan grocery boxes, Zakat, and Eid clothing campaigns.
Corporate Giving
Ramadan is a powerful opportunity for organisations to activate meaningful CSR initiatives.
Companies can sponsor:
– Daily Iftars
– Ramadan grocery boxes
– Community food distribution drives
– Employee volunteer days
Platforms & Initiatives for Corporate Participation:
The Giving Family
A community movement where companies can sponsor and distribute meals from AED 10 per meal together with the volunteers of The Giving Family.
Emirates Red Crescent
Corporate sponsorship packages available for large-scale Ramadan campaigns.
Corporate Ramadan giving not only supports vulnerable communities, it strengthens workplace culture and shared purpose.
Volunteer Your Time
Not everyone gives financially — and that’s okay. Your time and presence are equally powerful.
Ways to Volunteer:
1. Join daily efforts at The Giving Family – 03:00pm daily, no sign in required
2. Participate in Dubai Holding – Gift It Forward volunteer drives.
3. Support children receiving medical care at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, volunteer in the Atrium or donate approved gifts for children receiving treatment on the wards.
4. Explore opportunities across all Emirates through Volunteers.ae, the official UAE platform connecting volunteers to licensed initiatives nationwide.
Financial Contributions (Even 10 Dirhams Matters)
Sometimes the simplest way to give is financially, and it does not need to be large. 10 dirhams can contribute toward:
– A shared iftar meal
– A portion of a grocery box
– A child’s Eid gift
– A school supply package through Dubai Cares
Digital platforms make giving accessible anytime, anywhere.
Create Your Own Giving Initiative
If you feel inspired to lead you can. You can:
– Launch a workplace grocery drive.
– Organise a building-wide Iftar sponsorship.
– Coordinate a toy or clothing collection.
To distribute donations legally in Dubai, apply for an online permit through the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department (IACAD). An approved permit ensures your initiative is compliant and impactful.
Choose Registered & Licensed Charities
When selecting a charity or non-profit organisation, always ensure they are officially registered and licensed. This protects your contribution and ensures that your donations, funds, and volunteer efforts reach the intended beneficiaries.
In Dubai, charitable activities are regulated by the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department (IACAD). Working with licensed organisations not only ensures transparency and accountability — it preserves the integrity of giving.
Generosity deserves governance.
Each one of us is unique, with our own skills, experiences, and capacities. Always ask yourself: Who could benefit from my skills? Your talents, whether it’s organising, cooking, teaching, listening, or creating, can be used in countless ways to make a difference.
Ramadan reminds us that generosity is not measured in size but in sincerity. By looking around us, supporting neighbors and local communities, and contributing our unique skills, we amplify the impact of our giving right where it matters most.
✨This month, may we all find our way to give.
