Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12 March 2024: Dubai Holding, a diversified global investment company with investments in 31 countries, launched Gift It Forward, a Ramadan initiative organised in partnership with the Community Development Authority (CDA).
Supporting the national #RamadanInDubai campaign, Gift It Forward will revitalise thousands of new items and products into distinctive, one-of-a-kind gifts. These gifts will be distributed to over 8,000 blue-collar workers and 500 low-income families supported by CDA.
The Gift It Forward initiative will begin on the first day of Ramadan and continue throughout the Holy Month. It offers various family-friendly volunteering options. Additionally, Dubai Holding’s destinations, attractions, and communities, such as Global Village, Al Khawaneej Walk, Riverland™ Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), and Boxpark Dubai, are celebrating Ramadan with a variety of events and activities. These include competitions, unique decorations, late-night openings, Ramadan art exhibitions, and stunning weekend fireworks.
As part of its commitment to promoting social responsibility, Dubai Holding has continued to carry out various philanthropic initiatives and community outreach programs. These include partnering with the UN World Food Programme for the A Meal for a Brighter Tomorrow campaign, contributing to the 1 Billion Meals Endowment campaign during Ramadan 2023, and collaborating with the Dubai Blood Donation Centre to promote health and wellbeing. Additionally, Dubai Holding launched the award-winning Life Goals campaign last year to enhance financial literacy among blue-collar workers.
Dubai Holding is collaborating with its various subsidiaries like Dubai Holding Entertainment, Dubai Holding Real Estate, Dubai Holding Asset Management, Dubai Holding Hospitality Assets, Jumeirah Group, Dubai Community Management, and TECOM Group alongside supporting partners Azadea and Apparel Group, along with execution partner Goumbook to assemble, package and distribute newly collected inventory items. These items have been collected from Dubai Holding portfolio companies and partner retail brands. The inventory includes clothing, stationery, books, accessories, etc. Volunteers will be involved in the distribution process.
In line with the Dubai Holding Sustainability Strategy, repurposing items into gifts for blue-collar workers and low-income families helps reduce waste. It reinforces the importance of mindful consumption and the value of giving.
Huda Buhumaid, the Chief Impact Officer at Dubai Holding, expressed that the Gift It Forward initiative combines social responsibility with environmental stewardship to improve the lives of those who work tirelessly to ensure that essential services in our communities run smoothly. The initiative also aims to encourage the adoption of sustainable behaviours that align with the company’s sustainability agenda. The group believes that instilling the values of giving, community, and responsibility within the organisation and across the UAE will create a socially and environmentally conscious generation, which will undoubtedly contribute to shaping a better tomorrow.
“We strongly believe that partnership and collective action are essential to create a positive impact. To this end, Dubai Holding, CDA, Azadea, and Apparel Group will collaborate in an initiative involving hundreds of volunteers from across the businesses. These volunteers will engage in a series of volunteering events to assemble and deliver gifts to blue-collar workers and low-income families across the UAE,” Buhumaid concluded by emphasising the importance of this initiative in supporting the community.
Huraiz Al-Murr bin Huraiz, the Social Care & Development Sector CEO at the Community Development Authority, stated that “Gift It Forward” represents their commitment to promoting social engagement. This initiative aligns perfectly with the core values of kindness and compassion central to the Holy Month. More than 700 children will receive a carefully selected range of gifts to spread joy and foster a culture of giving and solidarity.”
Bin Huraiz stated that the partnership with Dubai Holding aims to strengthen community empowerment and expand the reach of the Community Development Authority’s programs.