In a renewed gesture of solidarity and appreciation, talabat UAE has once again partnered with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) to relaunch the Ramadan ‘Hero Meals’ campaign. Following the strong response and impact of last year’s initiative, the collaboration returns with a broader reach, inviting customers across Dubai to directly provide Iftar meals to delivery riders through the talabat app.
The campaign reflects the spirit of generosity that defines Ramadan in the UAE, offering a simple yet powerful way for residents to recognize the daily efforts of riders who keep the city moving.
A Community Initiative Rooted in Ramadan Values
The ‘Hero Meals’ campaign allows customers to donate specially curated Iftar meals to talabat delivery riders while placing their own food orders. Through the app, users can select a rider meal from the dedicated ‘Hero Meals’ collection and add it to their cart at checkout.
Last year, the initiative delivered more than 4,000 meals to riders across Dubai. Building on that momentum, talabat UAE and IACAD are aiming to expand the collective impact this year by increasing participation across restaurants and encouraging more customers to contribute.
The initiative is available daily between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm throughout Ramadan. Riders receive the donated meals when they arrive at participating restaurants to collect customer orders, allowing them to break their fast after completing deliveries.
By integrating the donation feature directly into the ordering process, the campaign makes giving both accessible and immediate, turning everyday food orders into opportunities for kindness.
Over 650 Restaurant Branches Join the Effort
This year’s campaign has grown significantly, with more than 650 restaurant branches participating across Dubai. The wide participation reflects strong collaboration within the talabat ecosystem, which includes customers, restaurant partners, and riders.
Among the participating outlets are popular names such as Mama’esh, Maraheb Express, Karachi Darbar, Puranmal, House of Nihari, and Lulu Hypermarket. Each restaurant offers specially curated Iftar meal options priced between AED 15 and AED 30, ensuring that customers can contribute at an affordable range.
The structured pricing enables broader participation, allowing individuals and families to extend their generosity regardless of order size. Customers simply browse the ‘Hero Meals’ collection in the talabat app, choose a preferred restaurant, and add the rider meal to their basket.
The model not only supports riders but also encourages restaurants to take part in a collective act of goodwill, reinforcing the communal essence of Ramadan.
Recognizing the Everyday Heroes of Dubai
Delivery riders play an essential role in serving households across Dubai, particularly during Ramadan when food orders surge around Iftar time. Despite demanding schedules and long hours on the road, riders ensure timely deliveries, often while observing the fast themselves.
Simonida Subotic, Vice President and Managing Director at talabat UAE, emphasized that the renewed partnership builds on the meaningful impact achieved previously. She noted that ‘Hero Meals’ is designed to unite customers, restaurant partners, and riders through a simple and purposeful act of giving.
The campaign serves as a reminder that appreciation can take many forms. In this case, a warm meal at sunset becomes a symbol of gratitude for the dedication and resilience shown by riders throughout the year.
Public-Private Partnership with Tangible Impact
For IACAD, the campaign represents more than a charitable gesture. It reflects an effective model of collaboration between public and private sectors, translating values of compassion and generosity into real-world impact.
Mohammad Musbeh Dahi, CEO of the Charitable Work Sector at IACAD in Dubai, highlighted that the initiative embodies social solidarity deeply rooted in Ramadan traditions. He stressed that partnerships such as this help transform the culture of giving into structured initiatives that directly benefit members of the community.
By renewing its collaboration with talabat UAE, IACAD continues to support innovative charitable programs that strengthen social responsibility and reinforce the UAE’s long-standing values of empathy and unity.
How the ‘Hero Meals’ Campaign Works
The process for participating is straightforward:
Customers open the talabat app and browse the ‘Hero Meals’ collection.
They select a participating restaurant and choose a rider meal priced between AED 15 and AED 30.
The meal is added to the basket alongside their personal order.
The rider receives the donated Iftar meal when picking up deliveries during the designated hours.
This streamlined approach ensures transparency and convenience. It also ensures that donated meals reach riders at the right time, allowing them to break their fast comfortably after completing deliveries.
Strengthening the Culture of Giving in the UAE
Ramadan in the UAE is marked by widespread charitable initiatives, food drives, and acts of kindness that extend across communities. The ‘Hero Meals’ campaign aligns seamlessly with this broader culture of generosity.
What makes the initiative particularly impactful is its ability to connect everyday consumers with the people who serve them daily. By offering customers a direct channel to support riders, talabat UAE transforms routine transactions into meaningful exchanges.
The campaign also reinforces the idea that collective small actions can lead to significant results. Last year’s 4,000 meals demonstrated how community participation can create tangible benefits. With expanded restaurant involvement this year, the potential impact is even greater.
A Growing Movement of Appreciation
As Dubai continues to grow as a global city, the demand for delivery services remains high. Riders are often the unseen workforce ensuring that meals, groceries, and essentials reach homes efficiently.
Through ‘Hero Meals,’ talabat UAE and IACAD are shifting the spotlight onto these individuals, recognizing them as integral members of the community. The campaign not only provides nourishment but also communicates respect and gratitude.
By uniting technology, corporate responsibility, and charitable oversight, the initiative represents a modern approach to Ramadan giving. It simplifies the act of donation while preserving the deeply human values at its core.
As the Holy Month unfolds, ‘Hero Meals’ stands as a reminder that generosity does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with something as simple as sharing a meal.
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