Ramadan 2024: Hundreds break fast at iftar tents under UAE humanitarian drive

People gathered at communal sites set up by Emirates Red Crescent on the first evening of Ramadan

Muslims break their fast at an Emirates Red Crescent iftar tent. Wam

Hundreds of people in the UAE came together to break their fast on the first day of Ramadan at iftar tents set up as part of a charitable drive to share the spirit of the holy month with other members of society.

It marked the first iftar of Ramadan this year under a community project established by the Emirates Red Crescent, the charitable arm of the UAE government.

Rashid Al Mansouri, acting secretary general of the ERC, joined those enjoying the first iftar of Ramadan 1445 at a tent in Abu Dhabi.

The authority previously announced it would launch its first women-only iftar tents this year, with various sites in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ajman.

The annual iftar project is a crucial part of a wider Ramadan campaign led by the ERC.

On Sunday, the humanitarian body announced a Dh37.6 million ($10.2 million) Ramadan project to support families in need in the UAE and around the world.

The Ramadan Continuous Giving Campaign, launched on Sunday, will provide millions with Eid clothing, Ramadan food parcels and iftar meals, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said.

It aims to support 1.8 million people in the UAE and 44 countries across Asia, Europe and South America.

Ramadan begins in UAE

Ramadan cannon were fired on Monday evening to mark the first iftar of the holy month.

Cannon were fired at numerous sites throughout the UAE to signify the end of the first day of fasting.

In Abu Dhabi, a cannon was fired at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where thousands of worshippers and visitors are expected to gather during the holy month.