Free Suhoor for 32,000 workers in UAE during Ramadan

This year, the initiative aims to distribute 32,000 meals to labourers across Dubai and Umm Al Quwain.- Alamy Image

Dubai - Weighing 1.1kg, each meal pack will contain the essentials for those observing fast throughout the month.

With the Holy Month of Ramadan less than two weeks away, the Community Development Authority (CDA) Youth Council is putting the final touches on the second edition of the 'Their Suhoor On Us' initiative.
This year, the initiative aims to distribute 32,000 meals to labourers across Dubai and Umm Al Quwain.
Weighing 1.1kg, each meal pack will contain the essentials for those observing fast throughout the month, with some extras thrown in for good measure.
"We want to make sure the meal is a complete one so it will have a main course, a sweet, fruits, dates, laban and water. These are all foods which help open a fast. We will also bring something extra that the people will like such as Karak tea, popcorn," Ahmed Julfar, director-general of the CDA, told Khaleej Times.
Last year, 700 council members and volunteers distributed more than 53,000 Suhoor meals to labourers across Dubai and Abu Dhabi after Taraweeh prayer throughout the holy month. The initial target was 20,000 meals.
Though the conservative aim for this year's meal distribution is 32,000, the council will likely surpass its 2017 figure as it has added seven additional distribution sites to the initiative as well as more than 300 additional volunteers.
Meals will be distributed every night throughout Ramadan from 10:00pm to about 11.30pm at Abdulrahim Ktait Mosque in Al Quoz. Meals will also be distributed during different periods throughout the month at six other mosques located throughout Deira and Bur Dubai.
Additionally, the Maeed Bin Said Al Mualla Charity Foundation will also distribute meals at two mosques in Umm Al Quwain.
So why Suhoor meals and not Iftar? Julfar said this idea was born from the Youth Council.
"They chose Suhoor because there are so many initiatives focused on Iftar and not many are centred around Suhoor, but it's a very important meal. We wanted to fill that gap."
Though all 1,000 volunteers are currently registered for the initiative, Julfar said volunteers wishing to offer a helping hand can register through the CDA's Volunteer mobile application to take part, as well as through the Day for Dubai initiative which was launched by The Executive Council.
"Last year we saw more than 700 volunteers help out but this year we are hoping to double that, including great participation from people with determination."
On the sidelines of the tour, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Youth Council will provide free medical checkups for labourers.

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