UAE: How 200 volunteers serve 14,000 meals on every day of Ramadan

Khaleej Times

01-03-2025

Model Service Society, a non-profit organisation licensed by the Community Development Authority (CDA), is back to serving iftar meals to thousands during Ramadan. What started 19 years ago with just 100 meals has now grown to an impressive 14,000 meals per day, distributed across nine camps in Dubai.
The initiative is driven by a team of more than 200 dedicated volunteers from all walks of life, including entrepreneurs, senior managers, and blue-collar workers. Each year, more volunteers and supporters join, reflecting the goodwill MSS has fostered and the joy that comes from giving back, especially during Ramadan.
The initiative began in 2006 when volunteer Shajil Shoukath (who now serves as the general secretary) and a few volunteers met around 100 workers near the National Paints roundabout in Sharjah. 'We brought them food and broke our fasts together. What was meant to be a one-day gesture turned into a lifelong mission,' recalled Shoukath.
For nearly two decades, MSS volunteers have dedicated their Ramadan evenings to this cause. 'For the past 19 years, the number of iftars I've had with my family is minimal, but they have no complaints as they understand the greater purpose,' said Shajil.
Every day during Ramadan, more than 200 volunteers — entrepreneurs, professionals, and blue-collar workers alike — arrive at the various sites by Asr prayer. They work together to cut fruit, serve hot biryani directly from the pots, and distribute meals by hand.
As Maghrib approaches, the workers and volunteers break their fasts together, praying in congregation before returning home—only to repeat the cycle the next day. Many volunteers bring their children along, instilling values of generosity and service from an early age.
Target: 500,000 Iftar meals
About 400,000 iftar meals were distributed last year and this year, the target is half million meals.
'Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our incredible volunteers, sponsors, and partners who have stood by us year after year," MSS chairman Abdul Assis told Khaleej Times. "With their unwavering support, we are committed to expanding our outreach and making an even greater impact by serving more than 500,000 meals during Ramadan.'
The demand for MSS's meals continues to grow as more laborers learn of the initiative and join. Sometimes, this means volunteers themselves go without food, breaking their own fasts with just dates and water.
MSS ensures that the meals remain hot and hygienic by avoiding prepacked food. Meals are freshly prepared daily by 10 public kitchens, coordinated directly by MSS. Vendors are carefully selected based on affordability and strict hygiene standards, and many contribute extra meals to support the noble cause. Every packed meal includes biryani, water, laban, two types of fruit, and dates — ensuring a nutritious and fulfilling Iftar.
This year, MSS is collaborating with multinational company in alignment with the UAE government's 'Year of Community' initiative. The initiative also offers a unique opportunity for volunteers, including students and youth, to participate in the Iftar program and earn volunteering hours that could contribute towards acquiring a golden visa by volunteering.
Many corporate volunteers return year after year, bringing their families along to experience the spirit of giving firsthand. Registrations are now open on the CDA website for the first time volunteers, moving beyond MSS's traditional word-of-mouth outreach.
The sit-and-eat format at some camps, such as the Sajjah and Jebel Ali sites, provides a communal experience where workers can enjoy their meals together, while others like in DIP operate a take-away system to accommodate high demand.
'We ensure each meal is fresh, served in sealed containers, and includes two pieces of chicken so that they can have a hearty meal,' said Faiyaz Ahmed, who has been volunteering for this cause since its inception. 'We are able to provide this wholesome meal at a low cost of Dh8 which is very attractive to sponsors as well,' he noted, adding: "MSS does not handle financial transactions. Instead, it serves as a bridge between kitchens and the workers who benefit from the meals."
A family tradition
The programme is also highly popular with women and children. Faiyaz's son, Adam, who is currently studying in Rotterdam, Netherlands, has been a regular presence at these Iftar camps in previous years.
Among the women, Ameera Hassan has been leading the ladies volunteering squad at Sharjah mosque for the last two years, which consists of around 50 female volunteers and scores of kids Ameera was encouraged to join the iftar campaign by her husband Nisthar PS who has been an active volunteer of MSS and now serves as the treasurer.
She said: 'It is a family ritual for us now and the feeling you get after serving others during this holy month is indescribable.'
The message remains clear: community, compassion, and collective effort can create an impact far greater than imagined. For those looking to be part of this extraordinary initiative, registration is now open via the CDA website under MSS Iftar campaign.