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Free iftar meals for 1.6 million individuals as Dubai charity launches Ramadan campaign
Beit Al Khair Society is encouraging residents and companies to participate by sponsoring food parcels or meal distribution points
- PUBLISHED: Mon 9 Feb 2026, 4:55 PM UPDATED: Mon 9 Feb 2026, 6:13 PM
As Ramadan 2026 begins, Beit Al Khair Society has launched a Dh70-million humanitarian campaign, spanning eight programmes aimed at supporting low-income families and urgent humanitarian cases across the UAE. The initiative focuses on emergency assistance, food aid, free iftar meals for 1.6 million fasting individuals, and monthly family support, reflecting the society's commitment to easing financial pressures and strengthening family stability during the holy month, in line with the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the Year of the Family.
“(This year's) Ramadan campaign is designed to touch the core needs of families and individuals facing financial and social pressures,” said Khalifa Al Falasi, media and public relations consultant at Beit Al Khair Society. “Our priority this year is strengthening family stability and ensuring dignified living conditions for those most in need.”
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Emergency aid takes the largest share
The largest portion of the Ramadan budget, Dh26.5 million, has been allocated to urgent humanitarian assistance. This category covers cases that cannot be delayed, including settling overdue rent to prevent eviction, paying electricity and water bills, covering medical treatment and essential medication, and supporting families affected by crises, such as the loss of a breadwinner or an income interruption.
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“Emergency aid represents the heart of our humanitarian mission,” Al Falasi said. “These are cases where immediate intervention can prevent severe hardship, and Ramadan is a time when responding quickly carries even greater meaning.”
Iftar meals across the UAE
A further Dh18 million has been dedicated to the Iftar Saem project, which aims to provide around 1.6 million free iftar meals throughout the holy month. The meals are distributed through 97 fixed distribution points and 18 Ramadan tents across the UAE. “Each location is selected based on field studies that consider population density and the presence of workers and vulnerable groups,” Al Falasi explained. “Meals are prepared according to approved health standards and distributed daily with the support of trained volunteers and our field partners.”
Food parcels, monthly support, and debt relief
Beyond iftar meals, Dh7 million has been allocated to the Meer Ramadan food parcel programme. At the same time, Dh7.6 million has been set aside for monthly cash and in-kind assistance to low-income Emirati families.
Debt relief also remains a key focus, with Dh6 million allocated to the Gharimeen programme, alongside Dh2.5 million for Zakat Al Fitr and Dh1.2 million for Eidiya. “These programmers aim not only to meet immediate needs, but to preserve dignity and social stability,” Al Falasi said. “Ramadan support should ease burdens and restore peace of mind to families.”
Eligibility and application process
Beit Al Khair relies on a database of more than 65,000 eligible beneficiaries, and all applications are subject to social research and assessment to ensure transparency and fairness. While the Ramadan campaign primarily targets low-income Emirati families, urgent humanitarian aid may also be extended to residents under specific conditions. “Requests for assistance can be submitted directly through the society’s website, where each case is carefully reviewed,” Al Falasi noted.
Opportunities for sponsors and donors
Individuals, companies, and institutions are also encouraged to participate by sponsoring specific initiatives, including iftar tents, meal distribution points, food parcels, or individual humanitarian cases. “We offer sponsors clear agreements that define the project scope, duration, and cost,” Al Falasi said. “Donors can follow the impact of their contributions digitally and, in some cases, through on-ground involvement, reinforcing transparency and community partnership.”
Arwa Almazrouei is an Arabic editor passionate about storytelling and journalism, and creating impactful content that highlights culture, society, and the inspirational.
