The Ayal Al-Freej programme is back this Ramadan at more than 300 mosques, featuring special “passports,” stamp activities, ice cream trucks, and other surprises for children.
A unique Ramadan initiative will encourage children to collect stamps in their “passports” from mosques across Dubai. The Ayal Al-Freej programme returns this year with an expanded season at over 300 mosques in the emirate as part of the Wulfa celebrations.
Ramadan is expected to start on February 18 or 19, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. UAE experts suggest that February 19 is the most likely date for the beginning of the holy month.
This marks the second year that the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) is launching the initiative, aiming to instill the values of prayer and discipline among children.
This year, the programme has been expanded to over 300 mosques in the emirate and targets children aged 6 to 12.
It is open to both girls and boys, with the IACAD aiming to encourage regular attendance at prayers and strengthen children’s connection with mosques during Ramadan.
Passports began being distributed at participating mosques from February 14 and will continue throughout the month.
A Ramadan-themed ice-cream truck will also tour the mosques, handing out sweet treats to create a festive atmosphere for the holy month.
The bus’s locations will be shared via IACAD’s social media channels, and the department has confirmed that additional surprises will be offered at select mosques for children.
Children participating in the initiative are required to wear traditional attire—kandura and ghutra for boys, and national dress with hijab for girls.
They must register using a designated code and attend Tharaweeh prayers at their nearest mosque each day. The mosque imam will then stamp their passport after prayers.
Ayal Al-Freej is a key part of the broader Season of Wulfa, overseen by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The initiative celebrates the UAE’s most cherished cultural occasions—Haq Al Leila, Ramadan, and Eid—strengthening family and social bonds through shared experiences.
The term “Wulfa” symbolizes harmony and togetherness, brought to life each evening as children eagerly collect their stamps, creating lasting memories leading up to Eid. Last year, the programme ran across 180 mosques and attracted over 2,000 children in the first week of Ramadan alone.
Young Muezzins
Ahead of Ramadan, IACAD also held a Muezzin Al Freej competition for young boys. Twenty winners were selected, with their names announced on the department’s social media channels. First launched in 2023, this initiative allows the winners to raise the call to prayer in Dubai mosques during Ramadan.
According to IACAD, the programme provides a faith-enriching experience for children and strengthens their connection with the mosque.
