Galadari Brothers boosts UAE's culture of generosity this Ramadan

Khaleej Times

26-03-2025

Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer and profound generosity, bringing communities together in a spirit of charity and support. It is widely regarded as the peak season for giving, with organisations and individuals coming together to support those in need. Across the UAE, this period sees a remarkable surge in donations and volunteer efforts, as businesses, nonprofits and individuals unite to make a tangible impact. This outpouring of support strengthens social bonds with people from all walks of life coming together with a shared purpose, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of unity.
This Ramadan, Galadari Brothers has exemplified these values through a series of impactful charitable initiatives. In line with the ethos of the holy month, the UAE-based conglomerate has leveraged its resources and team to give back to the community, from major financial contributions to hands-on volunteering by employees. These efforts not only provide immediate support to those in need but also set a high bar for corporate social responsibility during the holy month.
Supporting the 'Fathers' Endowment' campaign
One of Galadari Brothers' most notable contributions this year is a donation of Dh10 million to the Fathers' Endowment campaign. This initiative, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, aims to honour fathers in the UAE by establishing a sustainable endowment fund for providing healthcare and medical treatment to those in need. The generous pledge of Galadari Brothers, heirs of Abdullatif Ibrahim Galadari, will bolster this national campaign's resources to help underprivileged patients, reflecting the group's commitment to improving lives.
Serving Iftar to thousands in need
At Galadari Brothers, charity is more than just financial support; it's about active participation and hands-on impact. In collaboration with the UAE-based non-profit The Kindness Circle (TKC), Galadari Brothers organised an Iftar meal distribution drive that saw enthusiastic participation from its employees.
Founded by Siama Qadar, TKC is a community-driven initiative dedicated to eradicating hunger and poverty through sustainable solutions. What started as a small personal effort in 2014 has grown into a far-reaching movement, providing thousands of meals and essential support to underserved communities. TKC emphasises dignity and compassion, ensuring that every meal served is nutritious and prepared with care. Beyond food distribution, the organisation champions fair trade, supports small businesses and promotes ethical sourcing, reinforcing its commitment to long-term social impact.
On March 18, as the sun set and fasting workers prepared to break their fast, 75 Galadari Brothers employees volunteered alongside the TKC team to distribute hot Iftar meals to the needy. In a single evening, this joint effort served over 7,000 meals, ensuring that individuals across the community could end their fast and have access to a wholesome meal at Iftar.
'Ramadan shows us the power of collective kindness. When individuals and companies unite to serve those in need, it creates a ripple of compassion that can transform countless lives. The dedicated volunteers who commit to daily Iftar distributions are the backbone of TKC. Through their efforts, we are able to share compassion, respect and kindness — not only with the workers but also with fellow volunteers and the wider community,' says Siama Qadar, founder of The Kindness Circle, reflecting on the impact of the initiative. Through partnerships like this, TKC continues to uphold its mission of fostering kindness, bridging gaps in society and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Empowering communities through clothing donations
Beyond food relief, Galadari Brothers has partnered with the Dar Al Ber Society to support underprivileged communities through clothing donations. Dar Al Ber Society, one of the UAE's oldest charitable organisations established in 1979, has a mission of aiding the needy and spreading the spirit of brotherhood and social solidarity derived from Islamic principles and the UAE's national vision​. Working under official permit (No. PRHCE-004121337) for this campaign, Dar Al Ber has placed clothes donation boxes at various Galadari Brothers' offices across the UAE, enabling the group's employees to donate their pre-loved clothes for a good cause. By hosting these boxes at their workplaces, Galadari Brothers makes it convenient for staff to participate in giving, turning offices into hubs of charity.
Aligning with the UAE's vision of social responsibility
Galadari Brothers' Ramadan initiatives are part of a larger movement that reflects the UAE's broader vision of fostering social responsibility and a culture of giving. The UAE's leadership has long emphasised that sustainable development and community welfare go hand in hand with charitable giving. From the federal 'Year of Giving' in 2017, which spurred countless volunteer and philanthropic programmes, to ongoing campaigns like the annual 100 Million Meals drive, the nation has woven generosity into its social fabric. The government has even established formal frameworks such as the CSR UAE Fund, aimed at guiding and rewarding corporate social responsibility efforts and positioning the UAE as a global leader in CSR. In this environment, companies are encouraged to actively engage in developmental and humanitarian initiatives that align with national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Galadari Brothers' endorsement of campaigns such as the Fathers' Endowment and organisations like The Kindness Circle and Dar Al Ber directly supports these national goals, be it healthcare for the vulnerable, hunger alleviation or poverty relief.
Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman and Group CEO of Galadari Brothers, said: 'As a company rooted in the UAE, we recognise our responsibility to uplift and support our community. Our Ramadan initiatives are a testament to our core values of compassion, service and unity, reinforcing our commitment to making a meaningful impact. We take pride in contributing in ways that not only provide support to those in need but also align with the UAE leadership's vision for charity, social welfare and a culture of giving that brings people together.'
By aligning their charitable efforts with the country's humanitarian vision, Galadari Brothers demonstrates how private enterprises can become key partners in nation-building.