As the holy month of Ramadan commenced, hundreds of individuals across the UAE united to break their fast at communal iftar tents, fostering the spirit of generosity and solidarity within society. Organized under the auspices of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), the charitable arm of the UAE government, this initiative symbolized the inaugural iftar gathering of Ramadan 1445, reflecting the nation’s commitment to philanthropy and community welfare.
Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, the acting secretary general of the ERC, participated in the first iftar of Ramadan 1445 at a tent in Abu Dhabi, underscoring the significance of collective harmony and compassion during this auspicious period. Across various locations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ajman, the ERC introduced its inaugural women-only iftar tents, enhancing inclusivity and providing spaces for all members of society to come together in observance of Ramadan traditions.
The annual iftar project, an integral component of the broader Ramadan campaign spearheaded by the ERC, emphasizes the values of empathy and humanitarianism deeply embedded within the UAE’s cultural fabric. Additionally, the ERC unveiled a Ramadan project worth Dh37.6 million ($10.2 million) aimed at supporting underprivileged families both locally and globally. This initiative, known as the Ramadan Continuous Giving Campaign, seeks to distribute Eid clothing, Ramadan food parcels, and iftar meals to approximately 1.8 million individuals across the UAE and 44 countries spanning Asia, Europe, and South America.
In conjunction with these charitable endeavors, the commencement of Ramadan was heralded by the traditional firing of Ramadan cannons across the UAE. This symbolic ritual, observed at various sites throughout the nation, signifies the conclusion of the first day of fasting and underscores the beginning of the holy month. At the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, where throngs of worshippers and visitors converge during Ramadan, a cannon was fired, marking the onset of this sacred period of spiritual reflection and devotion.
The convergence of individuals at the iftar tents represents a manifestation of the UAE’s commitment to fostering unity and compassion within its diverse community. By providing communal spaces for individuals to break their fast together, regardless of background or affiliation, these initiatives encapsulate the essence of Ramadan – promoting inclusivity, solidarity, and generosity.
As the UAE continues to uphold its tradition of philanthropy and humanitarianism, initiatives like the ERC’s Ramadan projects serve as exemplars of the nation’s dedication to supporting those in need, both within its borders and beyond. Through collective efforts and communal gatherings, the UAE reaffirms its status as a beacon of compassion and goodwill, embodying the spirit of Ramadan and the principles of giving and empathy that define its cultural identity.
In summary, the UAE’s humanitarian drive during Ramadan 2024, exemplified by the communal iftar gatherings and charitable initiatives orchestrated by the Emirates Red Crescent, underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to fostering solidarity, compassion, and generosity within its community and beyond.
