Dubai charity sets Dh22 million fund for Ramadan

Dubai - Up to 75,000 iftar meals, worth Dh500,000, are to be handed out in 25 mosques across the UAE.

Dubai Charity Association (DCA) will be running Dh22 million worth of local and international projects throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
Divided into six projects, the campaign includes Ramadan Meer or food packages, iftar meals, Zakat Al Fitr, Eid clothes, and zakat or mandatory alms, according to a senior official.
"Tens of thousands of vulnerable people, including orphans, widows and low-income families, are expected to benefit from these projects in 23 countries," said Ahmad Mismaar, secretary-general of the association.
He added that the DCA's Ramadan Meer project is targeting over 15,000 families. "Food packages, worth Dh2.5 million, are to be distributed to people in need over the holy month."
Up to 75,000 iftar meals, worth Dh500,000, are to be handed out in 25 mosques across the UAE, in cooperation with local restaurants. Around 2,500 meals will be distributed daily, he said.
Mismaar said they have also dedicated Dh10 million for iftar meals at 1,000 mosques in 23 countries, and the number is expected to go up to 1,300 mosques soon. The DCA targets to provide some 100,000 meals every day across the world.
"All in all, three million free iftar meals will be handed out in different countries throughout the month."
Eid clothes, worth Dh500,000, will be given to over 5,000 people, and up to 45,000 dates, worth Dh1 million, are to be distributed under the Zakat Al Fitr project, Mismaar said.
"Zakat Al Fitr is to be collected in cash and in kind but shall only be distributed in kind."
In terms of zakat, the DCA has set a budget of Dh45 million.
"These six projects are to be implemented by 120 volunteers, and 35 counters will be open for collecting donations nationwide," Mismaar said.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai