Want to help during Ramadan? Here are 30 charities and not-for-profit organisations

Thinking about signing up for community service in the UAE or making a donation to a cause close to your heart? Afshan Ahmed compiles a calendar of 30 charities, social initiatives and not-for-profit organisations, one for each day of Ramadan.

Syrian-Kurdish refugees work near tents erected by the United Arab Emirate's Red Crescent at the Qushtapa refugee camp, 15 kilometers South of Arbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdish region of noShow more

1. UAE WATER AID

A campaign by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, seeks to provide clean water for five million people around the word. To donate, text the word “WATER” to these numbers: 8025 (Dh25), 8075 (Dh75), 8150 (Dh150), 8250 (Dh250), 8500 (Dh500). For more, call 800 733

2. Dubai Cares

The not-for-profit organisation, also launched by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, works to improve access to quality primary education in developing countries and achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Visit dubaicares.ae or call 04 450 4550

3. Gulf For Good

G4G organises several adventure trips throughout the year to raise funds for developing communities around the world through the challenge. Money raised by participants is spent on projects in the country where the challenge is held. Visit gulf4good.org or call 04 368 0222

4. Médecins Sans Frontières

MSF provides medical attention to people in conflict zones around the world with more than 27,000 volunteers providing assistance to people caught in the crossfire, affected by calamities and those excluded from the health care system. Visit msf-me.org or call 04 457 9255

5. All As One

The international not-for-profit organisation saves the lives of orphaned and abandoned children in Freetown, Sierra Leone. You can take action by sponsoring a kid and fulfilling a wish list. Visit aaodubai.org or call 04 311 6707

6. Sameness Project

Volunteers of the Sameness Project endeavour to bridge the gap between us and those less fortunate in the country. Their projects include Water for Workers, where volunteers distribute water bottles to labourers during the summer, the We've Got Your Back campaign where Dubai fitness professionals help taxi drivers improve their lifestyle and One+One that brings together special needs children and mainstream schools for play time. Visit thesamenessproject.com

7. Make-A-Wish UAE

The organisation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions and is affiliated to Make A Wish International. Contact [e-mail] or call 04 368 0217

8. The Emirates Airline Foundation

The charity provides disadvantaged children around the world with access to food, medicine, housing and education . Visit emiratesairlinefoundation.org or email [e-mail]

9. The Family Village

An by the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation that will provide homes, healthcare and education to orphans in Dubai. Twelve villas will house about 100 orphans. Visit amaf.gov.ae/amaf/family_village or call 04 280 8888

10. The Angel Appeal

The organisation is affiliated to The Mission to Seafarers and operates The Flying Angel, a purpose built seafarers support vessel that allows them to touch base with their families through internet access and gives them other leisure facilities. Angel Appeal also deals with seafarer welfare issues. To donate or become a volunteer, visit angelappeal.com. Call 04 357 6060

11. Maria Cristina Foundation

The Dubai-based former pilot Maria Conceicao established her foundation in 2005 to provide education opportunities to children in the slums of Dhaka. Visit mariacristinafoundation.org or call 04 386 0087

12. Dubai Foundation for Women and Children

Founded in 2007. It provides protection and support services to victims of domestic violence, child abuse and human trafficking. Visit dfwac.ae or call 04 606 0300

13. Camps International

The international organisation organises fully-supported school expeditions, volunteer travel and field trips to developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Financial contributions to participate are used to fund welfare projects in those countries. To participate, visit campsinternational.ae. Call 04 450 8931

14. Volunteer in UAE

This not-for-profit organisation works with several charities and organisations in the UAE to provide services and support their causes. They also run campaigns and programmes such as Babies behind bars that supports vulnerable mothers and their children placed in correctional centres, and Karama Kanteen, which provides meals to low-income workers, especially during the month of Ramadan. To find out more, visit volunteerinuae.com. Email [e-mail]

15. All 4 Down Syndrome Dubai

The voluntary group helps raise awareness and provides support to families of children with Down Syndrome. Visit all4downsyndrome.com or call 050 880 9228

16. Children’s Hope Foundation

The foundation helps raise funds to improve the living conditions of children around the world. They support campaigns in the Middle East, India, Afghanistan and Thailand. Visit chfdubai.org or call 04 511 1905

17. Takatof

This arm of the Emirates Foundation was created to encourage young people into community service. Their projects include clean-ups, school renovations and aid to low-income families during Ramadan. Register at takatof.ae or call 800 8252863

18. The Citizens Foundation

The UAE chapter of the Pakistan-based organisation was set up 15 years ago to improve the opportunities of education for children in Pakistan. To support, visit tcf.org.pk

19. The British Community Assistance Fund

The not-for-profit organisation was set up in 1986 to support British expatriates in financial and legal distress in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Visit bcaf.ae or call 04 337 1413

20. Emirates Arthritis Foundation

The foundation reaches out to those afflicted by arthritis, hosts health-related seminars and activities and raises funds for people unable to pay for treatment. Visit arthritis.ae or call 04 364 9316

21. Dubai Autism Center

The centre provides services to people with autism and promotes an understanding about it in the community. Visit dubaiautismcenter.ae or call 04 398 6862

22. Riding for The Disabled Association in Dubai

The association provides therapeutic riding lessons for people with disabilities. They help riders improve balance, coordination and confidence during session. Visit rdad.ae or email [e-mail]

23. Valley of Love

This homegrown network of UAE-based volunteers assists those without the means to resolve financial and legal issues in the UAE. To find out more about their ongoing campaigns, email [e-mail] or call 050 514 3183

24. Animal Action - Abu Dhabi

A group of volunteers in Abu Dhabi foster and find homes for abandoned pets, treat rescued animals and provide information on pet care. The group is always on the lookout for families who can adopt or foster, as well as provide donation to pay vet bills. Find out more on facebook.com/AnimalActionAbuDhabi. Email [e-mail]

25. Scottish St Andrew’s Society of Abu Dhabi

The foundation supports charities in the UAE and in Scotland through fundraising activities and sponsors. Visit adscots.com

26. Operation Smile Abu Dhabi

The international children's charity gives smiles back to kids with clefts, with free surgeries and after case support. Since1982, they have done more than 200,000 free surgeries for children and young adults. Their UAE chapter is always on the lookout for donations and volunteers at arabemirates.operationsmile.org. Call 02 658 4790

27. The Special Care Centre, Abu Dhabi

The centre, currently in Al Dhafrah, provides educational and vocational courses to children with special needs. The management, which runs the facility on charitable donations, hopes to move to a new premises in Al Bahia by next year to accommodate more children. Call 02 641 8418

28. Al Ihsan Charity Association Centre Ajman

The not-for-profit organisation that has been operating in Ajman since 1990 provides financial aid, health assistance and undertakes rehabilitation projects for families in need. Volunteers can sponsor families and school education for orphans or make direct donations in cash or kind to the centre. Visit alihsan.ae or call 06 745 7451

29. Sharjah Charity International

The Sharjah-based charity collects Zakat and sponsors orphans, widows and the poor, and undertakes the construction of schools, mosques and clinics in the UAE and the Middle East, East Africa and Asia. They. Visit shjc.sharjah.ae or call 06 566 4111

30. Red Crescent Society of the UAE

The UAE chapter of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies was created in 1983 and runs humanitarian aid programmes around the world. Cristal Hotels & Resorts in Abu Dhabi and Red Crescent are sponsoring iftar for Dh2,500 – up to 20 orphaned children will be treated to a magic show, face painting and gifts. Visit rcuae.ae or call 800 733