Dubai hotels doing their bit for charity this Ramadan

Six Jumeirah Group hotels are helping various charities during the holy month.

DUBAI // Aside from hosting lavish iftars in restaurants decked out like Arabian majlises to give guests a feel of the traditions of Ramadan, hotels are also doing their bit for charity – an essential element of the holy month.

The five-star Fairmont The Palm hotel is donating Dh10 from the price of every iftar at its Flow Kitchen restaurant to special needs charity Manzil, medical charity Operation Smile and the Emirates Red Crescent.

“While we have narrowed it down to three charities to support, it’s up to the dining guests to choose which cause to support,” said Mark Sawkins, the hotel’s general manager.

The donation amount is presented to guests in the form of two coins – each worth Dh5 – for them to donate to a charity of their choice.

“Ramadan is about generosity and helping others less fortunate,” said Mr Sawkins. “It is wonderful to see the increased focus on charitable giving during this month.

“It’s important to be part of a good cause and support the local community, and give back.

“While preparing for Ramadan this year, we were seeking to have organisations that support different causes on board.

“We wanted to make sure that more than one organisation would benefit, not only by receiving the donation but also by being promoted, to help draw attention to their important causes.”

Six of the Jumeirah Group’s properties, including Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, are holding their own charity drives to contribute to the “We Can Teach Each Other” Ramadan campaign for Dubai Cares, which supports children’s education in developing countries.

Ayman Al Deik, head of sustainability at the Jumeirah Group, said charity initiatives were a key part of the hotels’ directives – and not only in the holy month.

Wild Wadi waterpark is also allowing free entry to people who donate clothes on Monday afternoons during Ramadan, and these clothes go to the Beit Al Kheir Society, an organisation that provides assistance to underprivileged families in the UAE.

“Charity is very important in Islam and even more so during Ramadan, which is the month of giving and forgiveness,” Mr Al Deik said.

“This campaign is closely aligned with the spirit of Ramadan and emphasises our efforts to promote equality and social cohesion, and give back to the community.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Dubai Cares.”