DUBAI – In a year designated as the “Year of Giving” in Emirates, a charity project to share fridges stocked with food and beverages during the holy month of Ramadan is back this year across Dubai, offering free iftar for workers observing fasting.

“Last year, we had over 150 fridges and this Ramadan the momentum is building and we already have 40 fridges in place,” Sumayyah Sayed, an Australian native Muslim who launched the initiative last Ramadan, told Khaleej Times on Wednesday, May 17.

“Our aim is to remain as organic and grassroots level as possible. It is not about multiplying the number of fridges but ensuring that those opened are managed and filled regularly.”

With Ramadan only one week away, Dubai’s Ramadan Sharing Fridge initiative got revived by Syed.

A brainchild Sayed, the initiative grew organically during last Ramadan and is back to help the needy this summer.

On their Facebook page, there is constant interaction about residents sponsoring a new fridge, a shout out for donating more food and help for creating a buzz.

School children donate food to the fridges

The initiative seeks to engage more donors to help the needy during Ramadan by donating packed food, water and fresh fruit.

“We could easily go through 10kg of fruit and veggies and approximately 50 liter of water/juice daily. It is not uncommon to fill the fridge 15 to 20 times a day, so we count heavily on the goodwill of Dubai residents to donate throughout Ramadan month,” Sayed said.

The initiative is spread across Dubai in areas like Jebel Ali, Marina, Sports City, Umm Suqueim, Jumeirah, Al Barsha, Meydan, and Midriff.

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islamic calendar.

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer, self-restraint and good deeds.