Though many expats may have come to associate the Holy Month more with late-night shopping and decadent evening banquets, it’s important to remember that Ramadan is primarily a community-centric affair – a time for reflecting on our own place in society and, more importantly, an opportunity to exercise a little charity. Praise be, then, to these big-hearted organisations, which will be seizing the spirit of Ramadan with both hands to make sure no one in the city goes hungry.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Every evening throughout the Holy Month, 14 air-conditioned tents will be set up next to the city’s shining marble icon, each providing 1,000 hungry fast-breakers with a well-deserved bellyful. The complimentary meals will typically consist of lamb or chicken ouzi or biryani, with salad, vegetable soups, sugary drinks and water – a feast that clocks in at a heady 2,000 calories. 130 people will be working onsite throughout Ramadan to serve the food and deal with the washing up, while the food itself is prepared by a team of 150 chefs at the nearby Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel. Klaus Tebrake, the man tasked with orchestrating the operation, estimates that his men will get through 500-700 lambs per day, as well as five-seven tons of rice. While this is less of a social affair than the Iftars being served up in the city’s hotels and restaurants, non-Muslims are permitted to join in, provided they respect local customs.
Abu Dhabi Police
In an attempt to curb the rampant red light-running and other acts of reckless driving predicted to occur across the city at sunset, police patrols will be dishing out boxes of fast-breaking fare as the evening draws in. So if you’re worried about getting to your Iftar table on time, keep your accelerator foot steady and instead concentrate on looking out for the blue and red lights of Abu Dhabi’s finest camped out on the city’s busier streets. Their food parcels are free, and could save you from a few black marks on your licence – or worse.
Starwood Hotels
Just as they did last year, the good folks at Starwood are laying on free food parcels for the capital’s hungry cabbies. The handouts will be distributed just before sunset on Tuesday, August 9 by Aloft, Le Méridien, Le Royal Méridien, Sheraton Abu Dhabi and Sheraton Khalidiya, with around 200 Iftars expected to be delivered by each. So when the man behind the wheel huffs and gestures towards his mouth when you jump in his cab just before it’s time to eat, be sure to exercise the spirit of Ramadan and point the poor soul in the direction of a free meal.
Khalifa Humanitarian Foundation
As well as its ongoing projects abroad, Khalifa bin Zayed Humanitarian Foundation will also be looking after those who are living on low incomes within the UAE this Ramadan, with 12,100 free meals expected to be distributed in the capital every day throughout the Holy Month. The packages, which contain a portion of rice, chicken and dates, and are hand-prepared by Emirati volunteers, will be available from 21 locations in the city – contact the foundation on 02 499 4999 to find out the location of your nearest distribution point.
View our comprehensive Ramadan guide here
