United Arab Emirates, Dubai, May 23, 2019

HE Dr. Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General of the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Ramadan Dubai, emphasized the importance of charity and voluntary work and the dissemination of noble and human values, especially in the holy month of Ramadan, which reflects the teachings and principles of Islamic religion and Sharia, and reflects the values of tolerance adopted by the United Arab Emirates as a well-established way of life, which has been clearly reflected in various fields and businesses this year in particular, the UAE Year for Tolerance.

The ceremony was held at Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, organized by the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, in appreciation of the sponsors active participation and their fruitful and lasting efforts in supporting and sponsoring the events and activities of the project.

Al Shaibani welcomed the guests and said: 'We are pleased to meet with you at this ceremony, which we are organizing today in recognition of your efforts in supporting the activities and programs of the first edition of Ramadan Dubai, which is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, under the theme 'Ramadan Dubai Compassion and Coexistence'.

 The initiative was launched by the Islamic Department to spread the values of Islam and the spirit of tolerance among all groups of citizens and residents from different Arab and foreign communities, and to promote the values of peaceful coexistence and tolerance in diversity, pluralism and respect for others. Through the implementation of the principles of the Holy Quran and Sunnah, we offer a wide range of educational, religious and recreational programs and activities targeting all segments of the society, including men, women, children, the elderly, stakeholders, families of different faiths and nationalities, government and private sectors.”

“We ask God to help us to work on the success and for the continuity of this event in the coming years, considering that it is characterized as spiritual, religious and social activities for all, and because of the ideal values  of the people of the UAE to maintain them.” 

The Chairman of the Supreme Committee of Ramadan Dubai also praised the role of sponsors and strategic partners, which is the main element of the success of any event, and reflects their national sense and social responsibility. He also pointed out the need to intensify efforts and consistent cooperation to highlight events as best as possible.

He added: “The media does not need to commend their efforts, stressing that they are always present at various events to support and highlight the proceedings.

The Executive Director of the Charity Work Sector at IACAD, and the General Coordinator for Ramadan Dubai, Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, commended the efforts of sponsors to support the events of Ramadan Dubai, noting that this strengthens the status of the event, and establishes the importance of the message that the sponsors and supporters would send to the community, pointing to the spirit of solidarity and the sense of responsibility by them for the importance of the event and its efforts to achieve the aspirations of wise leadership.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), said: 'The sponsorship of Ramadan Dubai is part of our community responsibility and our strategy to support community and cultural programs aimed at spreading the principles of Islam, based on tolerance, compassion, love, altruism and solidarity. We are proud to introduce the values of the UAE society based on tolerance, openness and coexistence, especially in the Year of Tolerance in the United Arab Emirates, the land of humanity, giving, peace and love.”

The ceremony was attended by key partners of Ramadan Dubai including Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubai Mall Emaar and Dubai Islamic Bank. The event also bestowed honour to the strategic partners, Obeid Al Helw Quran Memorization Center, Dubai Media Incorporated and supporting partners such as Jumirah Group, Emirates Exchange, Community Development Authority, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Center for Heritage, Dubai Tourism, Higher Colleges of Technology, and Events Insurance Committee.

Dubai Islamic Society and partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to feed the needy during the holy month of Ramadan. The 'Meal of Hope' will be held throughout the year in cooperation with ZOMATO, the leading restaurant delivery company.

Through this memorandum, the Department aims to promote a culture of humanitarian philanthropy, to include all needy individuals and groups without regard to colour, tribal or religious affiliation.

The Department is launching and activating the 'Meals of Hope' during the holy month of Ramadan, in conjunction with Zayed Humanitarian Day. This will be promoted in the media to inform the public of its humanitarian privileges, and to attract those who need to benefit from it. In light of the memorandum, the Department will also proceed with its implementation through its supervisory bodies, which include breakfast restaurants and workers' housing.

Mr. Ahmed Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the Charity Work Sector, signed the Memorandum, and Mr. Karl Baz, the company's Chief Executive Officer, as a licensed commercial company in Dubai, to operate in the emirate through an electronic food delivery platform.

The signing ceremony was attended by a number of managers and technicians from both sides. The memorandum includes a number of its own provisions, which preserve the right of the parties, and clarify the steps of implementation of the initiative, and the consequences of each party to make it a success, in light of the conditions and legal controls considered in the memorandum of understanding.