Success Of #RamadanInDubai Campaign A Testament To The United Efforts Of Private And Public Sector Stakeholders
The #RamadanInDubai campaign has drawn to a successful close, marking the culmination of month-long festivities that united the community in a vibrant celebration of the Holy Month.
With both public and private sector stakeholders joining hands to organise cultural performances, night markets, varied dining experiences for iftar and suhoor, retail promotions, fireworks displays, light shows, street decorations, community activities and charitable initiatives spanning the entire city, the campaign brought to life the spirit of the Ramadan.
The success of the campaign was made possible by the contributions of key strategic partners including the Roads and Transport Authority (Strategic Partner), the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), EMAAR, Dubai Municipality, Majid Al Futtaim Group, Community Development Authority, Dubai Holding, Expo City Dubai, Nakheel, Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department, Wasl Properties, Dubai Police, Dubai Airports, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA), Furjan Dubai, Dubai Media, Dubai Sports Council, and Global Village. The collective efforts of these key stakeholders were instrumental in realising the vision behind the campaign and enhancing Dubai’s reputation as a premier global destination for festive experiences.
DFRE curates unique experiences
A rich programme of unique experiences, moments of tradition and nostalgic activations delivered by DET’s Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment(DFRE), as part of the #RamadanInDubai campaign, provided an opportunity for residents and visitors of all ages to experience enriching cultural moments, while soaking up Dubai’s heritage, alongside world class shopping and diverse cuisines.
Spectacular firework displays made the city sparkle for three nights every weekend at multiple locations, bringing Dubai together under Ramadan skies to truly make this month to remember. In addition, DFRE’s Ramadan Reflections, light displays and illuminated iconic landmarks, and citywide Ramadan decor, brought the city together in a celebration of light.
The good weather allowed outdoor markets, culinary moments and outdoor events to be hosted across the city. An exceptional breadth of culinary experiences including lavish Iftars, Suhoors and food markets highlighted Dubai’s exciting gastronomy scene. DFRE’s partnership with Careem also made it easy for diners to find, book, pre-pay for and arrange transport to Ramadan dining experiences across Dubai. We thank all our partners for all their efforts and we hope everyone enjoyed the city’s vibrant celebrations in Dubai this Ramadan”
Community events – Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department
As part of its participation in the #RamadanInDubai campaign, Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department organised lectures and religious workshops that engaged over 156,000 individuals. Additionally, more than 23 million beneficiaries received meals distributed across 1,587 locations. The Department also organised five charitable initiatives that attracted nearly 24 million beneficiaries, and 14 community initiatives that benefited 23,000 participants.
51 Activities in Expo City Dubai
Expo City Dubai visitors enjoyed around 51 daily activities as part of its Hai Ramadan celebrations. From live cultural performances under the spellbinding projections of Al Wasl Plaza, to a vibrant night market featuring an array of products reflecting local culture, art and tradition, to the Iftar Cannon at sunset to announce the breaking of the fast, and no less than 12 unique iftar and suhoor options catering to all tastes, Expo City captured the warmth and joy of Ramadan.
CDA organises charitable initiatives
The Community Development Authority (CDA) collaborated with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department to launch the ‘Dubai Pulse’ initiative, which benefited nearly 980 women. The Authority also participated in the ‘Hala Ramadan’ event in Barsha Heights and partnered with Dubai Holding for the ‘Gift it Forward’ initiative, which benefited 8,000 workers and 1,400 orphans and minors. Furthermore, the CDA organised a meeting for people of determination and their mothers to coincide with Mother’s Day. The CDA’s initiatives during Ramadan attracted the participation of 1,759 volunteers.
The Authority also took part in the ‘Little Reader’ initiative, which reached around 112 children. In conjunction with Zayed Humanitarian Day, the CDA organised an event for families of inmates of punitive and correctional institutions. To underscore the importance and role of senior citizens, the Authority arranged a Ramadan meeting for employees in the presence of senior citizens at the Thukher Social Club in Safa Park.
A meeting point for Emirati families
The Ramadan events and festivals organised under the patronage of Al Furjan Fund drew in residents from 15 neighbourhoods. These activities included folk arts, music, drawing, photography, traditional games, cooking challenges, home projects, festivals and various sports tournaments.
Sponsored by the Fund, these Ramadan activities were designed to ignite joy and enthusiasm in every family member. With a focus on promoting Islamic values, fostering unity and togetherness, strengthening national identity, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and fostering entrepreneurship, they brought a festive atmosphere to Dubai’s residential neighbourhoods.
Local and international tournaments
During Ramadan, Dubai played host to 33 international and local events, tournaments, and a wide range of sporting activities. Key highlights included the Dubai World Cup, the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, the World Strongman Championship, Polo Masters Cup and the Hatta Ramadan Championship, among others. Organised in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, these events were held across various areas in Dubai.
Special welcome for visitors
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) introduced two new initiatives to enhance the experience of visitors arriving in Dubai during the Holy Month of Ramadan. These included a special passport stamp featuring the ‘Ramadan In Dubai’ logo and the distribution of complimentary SIM cards in cooperation with du. Additionally, a QR code was provided, directing visitors to the ‘Ramadan Events in Dubai’ guide, a comprehensive resource for exploring the city’s Ramadan festivities.
Longstanding tradition
Dubai Police stationed traditional Ramadan cannons in seven locations across Dubai including Expo City Dubai, Damac Hills,Vida Creek Harbour,Burj Khalifa, Mirdif Downtown, Dubai Festival City and Hatta Guest House, in addition to a mobile cannon that travelled to various areas of the emirate during the Holy Month. One of the longstanding traditions in Dubai observed during the Holy Month, the Ramadan cannons are fired at sunset to signal the start of Iftar.
‘Gift It Forward’ Initiative
Dubai Holding’s ‘Gift It Forward’ initiative achieved remarkable success during the Holy Month. Combining the act of giving with sustainable consumption, the initiative succeeded in collecting 120,000 new items, which were packed into 8,500 unique gift bags and distributed to almost 9,000 blue-collar workers, as well as 1,400 beneficiaries.
In addition, Dubai Holding’s retail destinations, including Bluewaters Dubai, Al Seef, Al Khawaneej Walk, JBR, Last Exit, Bay Avenue and Dubai Parks and Resorts, hosted almost 40 Ramadan activities for local communities. This included weekend fireworks displays, Islamic art exhibitions, falconry, roaming Ramadan storytelling, quiz nights, children’s workshops and other family-friendly activations.
Festive gardens and markets
The Dubai Municipality had also organised various events and activities during Ramadan, which included decorating its public parks such as Mushrif Park and the Dubai Quranic Park. One of the key events the Municipality organised was the Ramadan Souq on Old Municipality Street. Additionally, Dubai Municipality collaborated with Al Furjan Fund and Furjan Dubai to host a community event at Mushrif Park.
Ramadan activities at Wasl Properties
Wasl Properties hosted a total of eight events and activities during Ramadan. These included distributing over 50,000 iftar meals, distributing Ramadan Mir to numerous families, and supporting the Al Tarahum Charitable Foundation in delivering treatment to underprivileged people. Additionally, Wasl Properties organised Suhoor gatherings for residents of Wasl Village, hosted an Instagram competition capturing the spirit of the month, and decorated various residential communities of Wasl. The organisation also hosted the Ramadan Iftar cannon at the Wasl 1 project and arranged a Ramadan football tournament for residential complexes.
‘Ramadan Heroes’
As part of its #RamadanInDubai campaign, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) launched a series of community events and cultural activities designed to capture the authentic spirit of Ramadan. The fifth ‘Ramadan Heroes’ initiative, organised by the Authority, fostered community engagement and philanthropy. Implemented in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent and talabat UAE, Dubai Culture supported over 224,000 beneficiaries within two weeks of the initiative’s launch. Additionally, the Authority organised ‘Ramadan Nights’ activities at the Etihad Museum and Al Shindagha Historical Neighborhoud, showcasing the unique customs and traditions associated with the Holy Month.
Exceptional experiences from Emaar
Emaar’s shopping malls, especially The Dubai Mall, welcomed visitors with a vibrant Ramadan atmosphere, designed to enhance The Dubai Mall’s reputation as an exceptional destination offering visitors distinct experiences during the month. Emaar also arranged an exhibition on Za’abeel Bridge, linking to The Dubai Mall, which showcased rare commemorative photos of Their Highnesses and other dignitaries.
Nakheel brings families together
Nakheel’s initiatives under the umbrella of the campaign fostered a sense of community, gathering families and friends to embrace the essence of the Holy Month. The developer curated special experiences catering to diverse segments of society, including Iftar or Suhoor gatherings and other Ramadan activities and events. Nakheel also decorated its hotels and launched a daily roster of Ramadan events. Special discounts were unveiled across Nakheel, Ibn Battuta, and Circle malls throughout the Holy Month.
Dubai Media: comprehensive coverage
Dubai Media played a significant role in ensuring extensive media coverage of the #RamadanInDubai campaign and the community participation it witnessed, through a range of broadcast programmes and digital content. Al Bayan and Emirates Today newspapers also played an key role in covering the celebrations during the Holy Month. Through extensive reports and photo features, these publications captured the vibrancy and communal spirit that marked celebrations in Dubai during Ramadan.
