Ramadan initiatives provide support for families, women, and children.
Dubai: Dubai’s Community Development Authority (CDA) has successfully concluded its Ramadan 2026 programme. Under the “Ramadan in Dubai” campaign, the CDA focused on strengthening family bonds, supporting those in need, and empowering individuals throughout the Holy Month.
Aligned with the Year of the Family, the initiatives fostered community cohesion and promoted a spirit of compassion and unity.
For her part, Hessa bint Issa Buhumaid, Director General of the CDA, highlighted that the Year of the Family serves as a guiding principle for all of the authority’s initiatives.
“This Ramadan, we put that commitment into action, designing each initiative to serve a specific member of the family: the child developing a connection with the Quran and its values; the woman nurturing her faith and awareness; families in need receiving support with dignity; and home-based entrepreneurs finding real opportunities for empowerment and community contribution,” she said.
She added, “We believe that a strong family is the foundation of a sustainable society, and that investing in family bonds and values creates the most lasting impact any institution can achieve.”
Gift it Forward
In its third season, the CDA’s “Gift it Forward” initiative assisted 4,000 Emirati families by distributing over 80,000 products valued at Dh14 million.
The programme enabled families to select the items they needed, preserving their dignity while providing essential goods.
Additionally, 20 home-based entrepreneurs contributed more than 13,000 products, supported by over 1,300 volunteers.
Khair Dubai Be Ahlaha
The CDA also partnered with the Dubai Charity Association to provide 13,000 iftar meals to families in Muhaisnah through the Khair Dubai Be Ahlaha (Goodness of Dubai by its People) initiative.
Six local Emirati home-based entrepreneurs prepared the meals, creating opportunities to earn income while supporting their community.
The CDA described the initiative as “a model that brings together social support and sustainable economic empowerment.”
Al Qare’ Al Sagher
The CDA also launched the Al Qare’ Al Sagher (Young Reader) programme, aimed at connecting children aged five to 12 with the Holy Quran.
In collaboration with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and Maktoum Centres for Quran Memorisation, the initiative has taught 400 children Quranic recitation and essential moral values, helping to build a strong foundation for their faith from an early age.
Hamayel Al Khair
For the second consecutive year, the CDA organised Hamayel Al Khair, a series of awareness sessions that brought together 227 women.
These sessions, conducted in neighbourhood majalis, focused on topics such as faith, parenting, and personal development, while also emphasising the important role of women in families and society.
Sawalef Al Mayales
In addition, the CDA launched Sawalef Al Mayales, a series of dialogue sessions addressing key family topics, in line with the Year of the Family.
The first session, titled “Close to Them,” focused on how parents can foster emotional closeness and trust with their children to strengthen family bonds.
Live sessions for family support
The CDA also offered support to families through five live online sessions.
Experts in psychology, education, and family counselling discussed calming techniques for children, the importance of parental presence, and effective communication with domestic workers.
Eid Kandoora
To celebrate Eid Al Fitr, the CDA launched the Eid Kandoora initiative, providing 200 children with shopping vouchers worth Dh300 each to buy new clothes for the holiday.
The authority partnered with Al Tashrifat Tailors to bring joy to families and children as they prepared for Eid.
Through these Ramadan initiatives, the CDA has positively impacted numerous families in Dubai, fostering unity, offering support, and empowering individuals. The authority’s efforts aim to create a lasting legacy, ensuring that the values of compassion and togetherness continue throughout the year.
