Dubai residents need permission to distribute iftar meals during Ramadan, say authorities

People can apply through the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department website

UAE authorities allowed iftar tents to return for last year's holy month, after a two-year absence due to Covid-19 restrictions. EPA

Residents in Dubai wishing to distribute iftar meals to the public during Ramadan must first apply for permission, officials have said.

After a brief ban due to Covid-19 safety measures, giving food to those less fortunate is allowed but anyone doing so needs permission from Dubai's Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (Iacad).

This is because it must be clear if the donated food is safe to consume and ensures meals are being distributed to a variety of places.

During holy month, it is customary for Muslims to participate in charity work, giving food and money to help those less fortunate.

Volunteers supporting the Sahana charity during Ramadan. Antonie Robertson / The National

But officials have stressed that residents should not run charity campaigns or distribute iftar meals unless they are licensed to do so.

“People can apply to the department to get permission to distribute iftar meals. The person needs to mention which area he or she will distribute the meals to make the process more organised,” Mohammed Dahi, director of the Charitable Institutions, told The National.

“We don’t want people to go to one place in one time. By knowing which areas they are planning to go, we can guide others to go to another area to distribute iftar meals.”

People can visit the department’s website to apply for permission, or call 800600.

“The person must submit Emirates ID, location of the distribution and name and location of the restaurant that will supply the food,” Mr Dahi said.

People who distribute iftar meals without permission could be fined between Dh5000 to Dh10,000 ($1,360 to $2,722) or given a jail term ranging from 30 days to a year.

Mr Dahi added there were many types of charity but some are possible only during Ramadan, such as helping people break their fast by giving them water and food.

People are allowed to give free iftar meals to small groups of people they know and trust without permission, but they cannot run an entire donation campaign, either in person, on social media or messaging apps.

In January, existing laws on how money is donated were broadened to include food, supplies and medicine.

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  A worker cleans part of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque ahead of Ramadan, in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. AFP

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  Ramadan lights lit up at Piccadilly Circus in central London for the first time. Reuters

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  A vendor prepares khajla deep-fried pastry in Karachi, ahead of the holy month. EPA

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  Palestinians add the final touches to a crescent moon and star decoration in preparation for Ramadan, just outside Jerusalem's Old City. AP

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  A member of the Saudi security forces stands on duty at an entrance to the Grand Mosque of Makkah ahead of Ramadan, with the holy city's Clock Tower in the background. AFP

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  A man carries a traditional lantern at Sayyeda Zeinab Ramadan market in Cairo, before the start of the holy month. AFP

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  Palestinian artisan Maan Al Muhtaseb makes traditional lanterns and decorations ahead of Ramadan in Hebron city in the occupied West Bank. AFP

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  Visiting graves at a Covid-19 cemetery in Depok, Indonesia. The practice is one of the traditions carried out by Muslims before Ramadan in the South-east Asian country. EPA

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  An Egyptian family out shopping for traditional decorative Ramadan lanterns, called Fanous, in the Sayyidah Zaynab district in Cairo. Reuters

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  Palestinian workers sort and pack dates at a factory in preparation for the holy month in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. AFP

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  A torch parade to welcome the holy month that will start around March 23, in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. AFP

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  A Ramadan lantern is hung on a wall painted in vivid colours in the Zeitun district of Gaza city. AFP

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  An Egyptian buys a Ramadan lantern at a workshop in Cairo. EPA

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  Street decorations for the holy month of Ramadan in Giza, Egypt. EPA

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  Architect Shahed Saleem in the Ramadan Pavilion at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, on show until May 1. PA

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  Palestinian artisan Reham Shurab makes traditional 'fanous' lanterns at her home workshop in the Gaza Strip. AFP

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  Workers sew women's prayer clothes called Mukenah at the Siti Khadijah clothing factory in Depok, Indonesia. EPA

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  Shoppers buy fresh produce at the Sidi Moussa market in Morocco's Atlantic coastal city of Sale. AFP

If people do not have a licence to distribute iftar meals, they can make charitable gestures in other ways, said Mr Dahi.

“People can donate to a licensed charity organisation in the UAE. There are some you can give money to, which goes towards a free meal for the less fortunate."

Iacad has issued permission for 22 iftar tents and more than 300 iftar tables this year, and also announced a group iftar for 1,000 people at Expo City Dubai.

Iacad's Ahmed Al Mansouri said the campaign was being held on the back of last year's success when more than 500 people gathered at the iftar table in Expo City.

“We will have representatives from different religions in the country at Al Wasl Plaza for iftar table on April 2 this year,” said Mr Al Mansouri. "It will represent the principle of moderation, wisdom, rejection of racism, tolerance and acceptance of others.

“We will have another iftar table in Expo City for 200 schools principals on April 9.”

The department will also organise Islamic lectures on site and at 2,300 mosques in the emirate.