Dubai Ramadan 2023: Residents must have permission to distribute iftar meals

Permission can be obtained from Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) website, the report said.

The move is part of the authorities efforts to ensure that donated food is safe to consume, and that meals are distributed to various places.

During Ramadan, participating in charity work is a custom for Muslims. Giving food and money to the less fortunate is also part of this.

However, authorities explained that residents must not run charity campaigns or distribute iftar meals unless they are licensed.

“People can apply to the department to get permission to distribute iftar meals. The person needs to mention which area he or she will distribute the meals to make the process more organised,” the report said, quoting Mohammed Dahi, Director of the Charitable Institutions.

Permits can be applied via the department’s website or by calling 800600. Documents required include Emirates ID, location of distribution and name and location of the restaurant that will supply the food, Dahi said.

Those found distributing iftar meals without a permission could face a fine ranging between AED5,000 to AED10,000. Jail time could also be given from 30 days to a year, the report added.

If people cannot distribute iftar meals, charitable work can be done in other forms such as donating to a charitable organisation, Dahi said.

Ramadan 2023 iftar timings in Dubai

During Ramadan Muslims fast for up to 14 hours a day, between sunrise and sunset.

The breaking  of fast comes with a meal known as iftar and comes at the same time as the Maghrib prayer.

With the Maghrib prayer timing following sunset it will be slightly later each day this year as daylight hours lengthen throughout March and April.

With the Holy Month of Ramadan approaching these are the expected sehr and iftar times for Dubai this year.