Ramadan 2025 in Dubai: How to donate Iftar meals without breaking the law
Get a free permit to distribute iftar meals or set up a tent
DUBAI: With Ramadan 2025 beginning from today (March 1), Dubai residents are once again engaging in charitable giving by distributing iftar meals.
However, authorities have reinforced regulations to ensure food safety and legal compliance.
Individuals and charities must secure the necessary permits before organising meal distributions or setting up iftar tents.
Updated regulations for 2025
Dubai law prohibits the distribution of iftar meals without prior approval from the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD). Violators risk fines of up to Dh500,000. Additionally, outsourcing meal preparation to unauthorised restaurants remains prohibited.
IACAD allows both individuals and organisations to distribute iftar meals legally. The free permit takes approximately 15 days to process, and applications should be submitted well in advance.
How to apply for an Iftar meal distribution permit
Residents wishing to distribute iftar meals must submit an application via the IACAD website. The application requires the following details:
- Full name
- Contact number
- Email address
- Emirates ID copy
- Declaration date
- Permit expiry date
- Event name
- Donor name
- Number of daily meals
- Meal distribution location
- A valid Emirates ID and, if applicable, a restaurant licence, must also be submitted.
Setting up an Iftar tent
For those planning to set up an iftar tent, a separate permit is required. Applicants must provide:
- Full name
- Contact number
- Emirates ID
- Number of daily meals
- Land number
- Declaration date
If additional electricity services from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) are needed, the following information is required:
- Number and capacity of AC units
- Number and wattage of lights
- Other electrical loads (if applicable)
- Estimated daily usage hours
Documents required include:
- Emirates ID copy
- Location map
- Restaurant licence
Legal ways of donating food
Residents can legally contribute through recognised platforms, including:
- Donating in-kind or financial support to licensed charities
- Using collection boxes available in malls and public spaces
- Providing food to neighbours in need
- Distributing iftar meals and dates to passers-by
- Placing bottled water in mosques
Registered charities
Several recognised charities are running donation campaigns for Ramadan 2025, enabling residents to donate iftar meals, Zakat, and Eid essentials.
Dubai Charity Association
This year, Dubai Charity Association aims to distribute 1.2 million iftar meals across the UAE and an additional 150,000 meals abroad. Donations start from Dh10 and go up to Dh500 or more.
Ways to donate:
- Online: Visit the official website, select the Ramadan campaign, choose the number of meals, and make payment.
- SMS: Choose an amount (e.g., Dh50 or Dh100) and send an SMS with ‘Ramadan’ to confirm the donation.
- Bank Transfer: Contributions can be made through Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) or Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB).
Emirates Red Crescent
The Emirates Red Crescent’s ‘Ramadan Continuous Giving’ campaign is providing essential support to families in need across the UAE and beyond.
Donation categories include:
- Eid clothing: Starting at Dh50
- Zakat al-Fitr: Open contributions
- Iftar meals: Starting at Dh15
- Ramadan food baskets: Dh100 to Dh500
- Hajj and Umrah sponsorship
- Iftar meals for Gaza families: Starting at Dh20
- Sadaqah donations: Starting at Dh10
To donate, visit the official website, select your preferred campaign, and complete the transaction online.