Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Volunteering during Ramadan in the UAE brings communities together through initiatives such as distributing iftar meals, donating essential supplies, and supporting those in need, reflecting the month's deep-rooted culture of generosity and solidarity.
Across different generations, women involved in volunteer work describe the holy month as a period that not only increases charitable activity but also strengthens social bonds and embeds lasting values that extend well beyond Ramadan.
Fathiya Al Nadhari, widely recognised as the UAE's first female volunteer, has completed more than 70,000 hours of volunteer work across Asia, Africa, and Europe. For her, Ramadan represents both a spiritual opportunity and a responsibility to pass on the culture of service to younger family members.
"Ramadan is the month of volunteering and giving, and it is a golden opportunity for multiplied rewards. This spirit must be instilled in the younger generation," she told Aletihad.
Al Nadhari views volunteering as a shared family commitment rather than an individual act. She regularly takes her grandchildren with her to let them experience community service first-hand.
"We take our grandchildren to the Emirates Red Crescent's Ramadan food distribution points to instil in them the values of our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed, may God have mercy on him," she said.
She believes that families should approach volunteering with planning and intention, dividing roles among members and encouraging children to take responsibility. Teaching moderation is equally important, she added, stressing the need to preserve food and avoid waste during a month centred on gratitude.
"We must teach our children not to waste food and to share it with others, including neighbours, workers, and those in need," Al Nadhari said, adding that encouraging children to save money to help others helps ensure generosity continues into the future.
For Maryam Alhefeiti, Ramadan stands out because generosity becomes visible in everyday interactions, not only through organised campaigns but also in personal exchanges between neighbours and strangers.
"Ramadan feels different from any other time of the year because the spirit of giving is everywhere. Volunteering is not just about distributing food; it is about sharing empathy and humanity," she told Aletihad.
Her participation in distributing iftar meals and preparing Ramadan food boxes has shown her how collective action can build a sense of shared purpose. Working alongside others toward a common goal, Alhefeiti added, strengthens bonds within the community.
"That shared energy makes Ramadan volunteering very special. It brings people together with one common purpose: serving others," she said."When we give together, we grow closer as a community."
Encouraging those hesitant to volunteer, she added: "Just start, you do not need a big role to make a big difference."
Asma Al Marzooqi described volunteering as an established part of her Ramadan routine, influenced by personal reflection during fasting hours.
"For me, Ramadan feels special because volunteering has become part of my routine. When we fast, we experience hunger ourselves, so we truly understand how others feel," she told Aletihad.
She pointed out that government entities and community organisations expand their initiatives during Ramadan, creating more accessible opportunities for those wanting to contribute. Having completed more than 300 volunteer hours during university, she sees service as mutually beneficial.
"Volunteering brings people together around one purpose, and strengthens unity across the community," Al Marzooqi said. "Just try it once, you may gain far more than you expect."
Her sister Tayba emphasised the way Ramadan heightens awareness of others' needs and deepens spiritual reflection.
"Ramadan is special because people feel closer to their faith and more aware of others' needs," she said, noting that fasting deepens empathy and motivates people to help.
"It brings people together, rich and poor, young and old, around one shared goal: helping others," she added, urging people not to hesitate because "even small acts matter".
For Buthaina Al Zaabi, preparing and distributing iftar boxes changed how she views community service and revealed the real impact of simple gestures.
"Making the Iftar boxes made me realise how easy it is to give back to the community and make someone feel happy," she told Aletihad, recalling how the boxes helped people break their fast calmly and safely.
Al Zaabi also noticed how volunteering changed her own perspective, evolving from a task focused on completing required hours into a meaningful way to make a change within the community. She encouraged others to take part as well.
"Do not overthink it, just go and volunteer, trust me it will not be your last time," Al Zaabi said. "Ramadan is a month that brings people together. Ramadan is all about us as a community."
