Latest news with #TheGivingFamily
Khaleej Times
20-03-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Mass iftars in UAE: What goes into preparing, distributing meals among thousands of people
During the month of Ramadan, several volunteer groups work diligently across the country to provide iftar meals to blue collar workers. Some put in efforts throughout the year to secure funds and plan the campaign while others have a well-oiled system that has been in place for years. For The Giving Family (TGF), planning for one Ramadan begins as soon as the previous one ends. 'We like to make sure our licences are renewed and we reach out to the kitchens to understand their feedback,' said Zehra Rizvi, one of the co-founders of the initiative. 'About four months before the start of Ramadan, we start to get really busy, reaching out to corporates, having meetings and spreading the word about the campaign.' Founded by Zehra along with Fadie Musallat and Sabrina Rabhi, TGF has been feeding over 5,000 people every day this Ramadan, with the aim of distributing half a million meals over the course of this month. The group distribute their meals at an open space in Al Quoz where workers from multiple labour camps can take advantage of it. 'Dubai Police has allowed us to use this space,' she said. 'It is so big that we are able to have thousands of labourers to line up simultaneously and it is an easy spot for our volunteers to find.' Meanwhile in Jebel Ali Industrial area 1, British expat Siamah Qader spearheads a movement called The Kindness Circle which feeds over 7,000 people at two mosque sites. In its 11th year of operation, this year's campaign required planning from November, according to Siamah. 'We reached out to professionals and corporates about volunteering for iftar distribution as an ESG / CSR team building activity' she said. 'In terms of operational logistics, we started working with our partners in January.' Voluntary group Team Iftar caters to three mosques and a public park in the Sajaa area in Sharjah. 'We feed over 5,000 people every day,' said member Anees Easa. 'While we know exactly how many people will come to the mosques, the number of people at the park varies widely.' Well-oiled machine According to Anees, they have perfected the logistics of the distribution over 20 years and everything functions like a well-oiled machine. 'At the mosques, we get large pots of biryani which out volunteers then portion out,' he said. 'Meanwhile at the park, we serve individual packs. We have an entire spreadsheet full of information of how many people and how much food is expected in each location. If we fall short, we know how to manage from our previous years' experience.' Siamah said that she visits the facilities of her partners to ensure that the food is of the highest quality. 'We go on inspections between January and February to make sure that the ingredients are fresh and hormone-free,' she said. 'We only work with reliable suppliers because this is a very time-sensitive operation and they have to provide the delivery at the right time.' According to her timing is the most 'critical' aspect of their process, as there is only 'a window of just 2.5 hours' to complete the packing and delivery. 'We need four trucks with food on one site and two on another and they have to arrive between 3.30pm and 4pm,' she said. 'It runs like clockwork as a regimented, precise process and we are constantly finetuning it to reduce the risks as much as possible' Meanwhile, volunteers from Aster DM Healthcare have been delivering over 4,000 food boxes across five locations in Dubai during rush hour traffic, in collaboration with Dubai Police. These boxes are carefully planned to include the essentials needed by motorists who find themselves on the streets during iftar time. They contain a packet of dates, water, a cake, and juice, offering much-needed relief to many. Volunteers The group of volunteers is the lifeline for TGF's distribution. 'We have three groups — the unloading team, the packing team and the distribution team,' she said. 'We have a family of over 2,000 volunteers, many of whom come every day. The corporate distribution starts at around 1pm and takes two hours. We start the public distribution at 3.15pm, which goes on till around 5.15pm, so that everyone has the time to go back home for iftar with their families.' She said the initiative 'has become life' for the three co-founders. 'Earlier we used to go for iftars outside or visit a Suhoor tent,' she said. 'But now, our entire Ramadan revolves around this. Even when we go out, we go for a drive with our volunteers in the evening for a tea. However, for Siamah, finding enough volunteers is a challenge. 'We have an active Whatsapp group where we release the daily requirement of volunteers,' she said. 'Our calculation is that for every 100 people, we need two or three people. We have an incredible community of dedicated people who commit to come regularly. They turn up every day for which I'm gratefully thankful, but we need more such people. On one particular day, we had only 15 volunteers. So, getting enough volunteers is one of the challenges we face.'
What's On
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
9 things to do in Dubai this weekend: March 14 to 16
Looking for things to do in Dubai this weekend? We got you… From iftars to spa days to pilates, there's still lots of things to do in Dubai this weekend even though we're now in the middle of Ramadan. Take your pic from the below… Have a nice weekend… Friday, March 14 Give back This Friday, March 14, head down to Al Quoz and join Vietnamese Foodies to distribute 1,500 nourishing meals to those in need, embracing the spirit of giving during the holy month. The meals, prepared with care by Chef Lily Hoa Nguyen and her team, will include Chicken Biryani, fresh fruit, laban, and dates – a wholesome and comforting iftar for those receiving them. The meet-up will take place at 11.45am at The Giving Family's Al Quoz location, with the distribution beginning at 12pm. Please dress modestly and wear comfortable shoes. The official invitation is attached. To get involved, please RSVP via Instagram DM to @vietnamesefoodies. The Giving Family, Al Quoz, Friday March 14, 11:45am, @vietnamesefoodies Smash some plates Plate smashing has got to be one of the most satisfying traditions out there, and when you combine it with a brilliant atmosphere, amazing live acts and delicious food, it's probably going to be an incredible night. Opa is one of the must-visit spots in Dubai so if you haven't been yet, or it's been a while. They've even released their own culinary book for you to take home all the secrets. Opa Dubai, Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, open daily, 7pm to 3am. Tel: +97143570557 @opadubai Try a new restaurant We love a new restaurant in Dubai and Kiyoshi has just opened in Dubai Creek Harbour. It's a Japanese dining experience and brings together artisanal Japanese craftsmanship, bold flavors, and a lively atmosphere so it's going to be good… Kiyoshi, Vida, Dubai Creek Harbour, Tel +971 4 572 6578 @kiyoshidubai Saturday, March 15 Get the kids to sleep There's a free event happening in celebration of World Sleep Day, bedding specialist Heveya and sleep expert Julie Mallon of Nurture2Sleep are hosting an interactive sleep workshop on March 15 at their Al Quoz showroom. Families can enjoy a book reading by Helen Farmer, a children's yoga class by Dr. Sandy Zanella and a sleep clinic by Julie Mallon and Thijs Veyfeyken. Tasty yet healthy snacks from Scoop Whole Foods will also be available too. Heveya, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Saturday, March 15, 10am to 12pm, @nurture2sleep Pilates, breakfast and a beach day Maison De La Plage has brought back their 'Coastal Crème' experience and it sounds like a dream Saturday morning to us. Enjoy Pilates followed by a delicious cabana breakfast for only Dhs250 per person. You can then decide to extend the dreamy morning and book a fully redeemable sunbed for Dhs350. Maison De La Plage, Palm West Beach, every Saturday from March 15 starting from 8am, @maisondelaplage_ Watch the fireworks The waterfront destination of Dubai Festival City Mall is always bustling over the cooler season. And over Ramadan you can expect the crowds to come together to watch the fireworks on March 15. The fireworks only start at 10pm but head to the mall early to get some shopping done or dine at one of the very many restaurants. Dubai Festival City Mall, March 15, 10pm @dubaifestivalcitymall Sunday, March 16 Visit a Ramadan market Everyone's favourite market, Ramadan District has returned next to the stunning Museum of the Future. Expect a blend of heritage, shopping, games, and delicious food paired with futuristic views The best news is that entry is free… Ramadan District, behind Museum of the Future, until March 23, from 5pm , f ree entry. Relax with a pamper Treat yourself to the a new treatment at eforea soa at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah with fancy diamond-infused treatments in partnership with Gemology including a relaxing full-body massage using Gemology's diamond oil and a diamond express facial, plus you'll get a luxurious nail treatment too. eforea spa at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, daily, Monday-Friday: 9 am to 1pm, Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 11pm, from Dhs350. Tel 04 230 0090 @hiltondubaipalm Try a new hotel The new Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is opening this weekend and if you're looking for something to do in Dubai this weekend, there are lots of options to try within the hotel. Here's everything you need to know but we recommend trying KIRA or Cullinan which we've heard such amazing things about… Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab @jumeirahmarsaalarab
Khaleej Times
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Ramadan in Dubai: Hollywood actor delays travel palns to pack, serve iftar boxes to workers
In the spirit of the giving month, US actor Terry Crews delayed his flight back home to distribute iftar packs in Dubai on the first day of Ramadan. The American actor, television host, and former football player joined The Giving Family (TGF) at a labour camp in Al Quoz on Saturday to help pack iftar kits. "He was supposed to catch his flight on March 1, but when we told him about our iftar initiative, he delayed his return," said Zehra Rizvi, co-founder of TGF. "He stayed for almost 1.5 hours, helping us pack the boxes. He took the time to get to know the volunteers and spoke to the workers. He was really sweet." In videos shared on social media, Terry was seen addressing the volunteers, sharing how "honoured" he was to be with them. "I am actually choked up," he said. "I want you to know that what you are doing here means so much to so many." He added that the volunteers reminded him of his family and praised the "amazing humanity" for building the community and city. Began in 2017 as a small initiative to distribute meals among labourers, TGF has grown into a prolific iftar meal distribution movement that sees hundreds of people volunteering to give away thousands of meals every Ramadan. Last year, the group distributed over 7000 meals daily to workers in labour camps in Al Quoz. Palestinian American Fadie Musallet, Canadian Zehra Rizvi and Algerian British Sabrina Rabhi are the co-founders of TGF. This year, the trio and their battalion of volunteers aim to distribute at least half a million meals. Expanding operations TGF, which usually distributes meals in labour camps in Al Quoz, has significantly expanded its operations this year. "We are conducting three meal distributions every day," said Zehra. "One is spearheaded by our volunteers, while the other two are corporate distributions. Combined, we are hoping to give away half a million meals this year." She added that TGF has also started a new initiative where people can donate their gently used, pre-loved items to be distributed in the UAE. Working in collaboration with the Tarahum Charity Foundation, the group has three collection points across Dubai where people can drop off gently used, pre-loved items, including clothes and toys. "Our volunteers go through them carefully, package them, and then we distribute them," she said. Some of the items are distributed in labour camps, while others are given to struggling families across the country. "The Tarahum foundation works to identify those in need and get the necessary items to them," Zehra said. TGF has also set up a whiteboard called the 'dua board' at the labour camps, where volunteers and labourers can write the names of their loved ones who are sick or have passed away. "We donate 100 meals on their behalf and make dua for them," she added.
