Ramadan in UAE: Non-Muslim volunteers join fasting Muslims to distribute iftar in labour camps
Since the onset of Ramadan, volunteers have shown a remarkable degree of empathy by going directly to the labor housing in Al Quoz after their regular job shifts end.
As part of the GDRFA initiative known as the “Goodness Bus”, non-muslim as well as fasting Muslim volunteers help to distribute 1,000 iftar meals among laborers.
This initiative hopes to reach a target of providing 150,000 iftar meals by the end of Ramadan.
Among these volunteers is Omnia Arafa, an Egyptian Government Relations Officer who swiftly changed into her volunteer shirt as soon as her work ended. She remarked how fasting can be deceptively difficult, especially when coupled with the hustle and bustle of the work day. "People often assume I’ll be tired from fasting all day and then coming here to volunteer, but it’s more than just them who reap benefits. We take pleasure in offering aid without expecting anything in return particularly during Ramadan," she said.
The smiling grateful faces of the recipients of the meals has added to Omnia's joy which, combined with community service, spirituality makes her time in Ramadan all the more special.
Every single volunteer belongs to the Nabdh Al Emarat team now supporting the ‘Goodness Bus’ initiative. Every day, 1,000 meals are served in areas where key workers reside like Jebel Ali, Al Quoz, Dubai Investment Park and Muhaisnah. It aims to celebrate the crucial contribution of the workers to the development of the city by fostering a sense of social responsibility through the compassionate provision of nutritious iftar meals.
Next to her and managing a few boxes containing iftar meals is Phutuli Sarkhel, an Indian teacher residing in Sharjah. While juggling full-time employment with everyday volunteering, Phutuli explained, “For the past year, I have taken part in a number of projects, such as water distribution and assistance for people of determination.”
“My family has also joined my campaign,” said Phutuli, showing how the spirit of giving can be a personal affair. “My husband and my twelve-year-old daughter also volunteer with me now.”
“I come from India where we are taught to consider the community and people who stand in need of help,” she shared. Volunteering has always existed in my life. To make a change, no matter how little is indeed rewarding,” she elaborated further.
A new addition to the cause is Demiana Eshik, an Egyptian Christian together with her fiancé Sameh Abdelmalak has taken active participation in the volunteer works. The couple has been engaging in good work for the community lately and returned from yet another event a few hours earlier.
Sameh talked about his time at a center for people with disabilities, explaining, “We were there since morning. I have flexible work hours, so I can cover the time spent volunteering.” He noted how rewarding it is to assist people, considerate of the fact that those he helps give him purpose and joy.
His fiance, Demiana, shared the overwhelming feelings of service as the couple prepares to get married. She said, “It’s in our blood to volunteer; we did it all the time in Egypt so why stop here?” This couple is gladly embarking on their life together by volunteering which shows how their combined compassion and love for service can help build a strong future together.
Central to her volunteer work for the past two years, Geeta Chandola has a story to tell regarding her inspiration. “It’s more about serving the community and making people smile,” she states. Having spent the last 25 years in Dubai, Geeta highlights the need for humanitarian aid work and adds, “It does not matter what religion you follow; there is nothing more honorable than humanitarian aid work.”
With Major General Obaid Muhair bin Surour, Deputy Director General of the Dubai Residency and Foreigners Affairs Department, volunteering for the Nabdh Al Emarat team, every volunteer processed 1000 iftar lunches with enthusiasm as they took their places. "For us as organizers, this campaign is unique compared to the past because we go to the workers where they are. We will see this mission through to the last day of Ramadan," he said.
“Works that are good natured aside, Ramadan is about selflessness, giving, and more giving. Through the initiative The Goodness Bus, we intend to instill social responsibility among citizens and extend help especially to those that work tirelessly to help build Dubai and its economy. We always strive to engender an environment characterized by compassion and brotherhood that fulfills the spirit of the initiative,” he continued.
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