Swapping family Iftars for volunteering: How UAE residents are giving back to the community

Swapping family Iftars for volunteering: How UAE residents are giving back to the community

A large number of people are spending all their time during Ramadan helping those in need

Published: Wed 12 Apr 2023, 6:00 AM

In the last 15 years, Shajil Shoukath has had iftar with his family only during the two years of Covid-19 lockdown. Otherwise, the Indian expat spends all 30 days of Ramadan in workers' accommodations in DIP and Sajaa, distributing Iftar for more than 12,000 labourers.

“Even if I tried to have Iftar with my family, by 4pm, I would start to get restless,” he said. “There is something very calming about going and spending time in the camps.”

Every day during Iftar, Shajil’s meal comprises of a date and a piece of fruit. “Once we finish distributing, there are just a few pieces of fruit and dates left,” he said. “But that small meal is much more fulfilling than a grand buffet in a 5-star hotel.”

Like Shajil, there are thousands of volunteers who spend all their time during Ramadan, actively helping those in need in the country. Foregoing the chance to sit down with their families and have a sumptuous Iftar, they opt to head to labour camps and mosques to coordinate and distribute meals across the country. They form the