By Staff Reporter
Ramadan is a time when people try their best to take part in charitable initiatives across the UAE. With iftar and suhoor being major part of one’s day during the holy month, many residents donate food in mosques and across their neighbourhoods.
Sadaqah, or charitable giving, can be done through various forms, including monetary donations, providing food, helping those in need, and contributing to charitable causes.
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Distributing iftar meals without permits during Ramadan is illegal in the emirate, as per the law. Violators may face a fine of up to Dh500,000. Additionally, residents are not allowed to outsource restaurants to prepare Iftar meals.
Authorities have advised residents to give iftar meals by getting permits and doing it through licensed platforms.
For those wishing to donate iftar meals in Dubai, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) lets residents donate meal kits as well as set up distribution tents.
This permit, which is free of cost, can be applied by both individuals and charities. It takes 15 days to get the permit and complete the service.
Here is a simple guide to getting a permit for both iftar-related facilities offered by the authority.
How to distribute meals
Applicants can apply for the permit to distribute meals through the IACAD’s website.
Those interested must choose the ‘distribution meal’ option.
Applicants will be asked to provide the following details:
Name
Number
Email address
Emirates ID copy
Declaration date
Permit expiry date
Event’s name
Donor’s name
Number of daily meals
Meal distribution location
For documents, applicants must provide their Emirates ID copy and restaurant licence if applicable.
How to set up an iftar tent
Those who want to set up an iftar tent will have to get a permit from the authority.
Applicants will have to provide the following details:
Name
Number
Emirates ID
Number of daily meals
Land number
Date of declaration
If applicants additionally require electricity service from DEWA, they need to provide the following:
Number of ACs
AC capacity (tons)
Number of lights
Load of each light (watt)
Other loads (if applicable in watts)
Number of working hours
Applicants will also have to provide the following documents:
Emirates ID card copy
Location map
Restaurant licence
Legal ways of donating food
In-kind or financial donations to licensed charities
Donate in boxes available in malls and public places
Prepare, purchase or distribute food to families in the neighbourhood
Distribute Iftar meals and dates to passers-by
Place water boxes in mosques
