Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) on Tuesday announced that 1.8 million people inside the UAE and in 44 countries around the world will benefit from its Ramadan programmes this year, at an initial cost of around Dh37,606,500.
The programmes include iftar meals (taken at the end of the day’s fast), Zakat Al Fitr (charity for Eid Al Fitr festival), Eid clothing, and Ramadan food parcels.
In the UAE, 1,071,540 people will benefit from Ramadan programmes this year, at a cost of Dh22,906,500. Around 1 million people will benefit from the iftar programme during the month across the country at a cost of D10 million, while about 35,000 people will benefit from the Ramadan food basket for the needy at a cost of D5,606,500. In addition, 36,500 people will benefit from Zakat Al Fitr at a cost of D7.3 million
The ERC also explained that it will implement a new Ramadan initiative for the first time, which includes setting up Ramadan sites and tents for iftar for women only. This will be implemented initially in three locations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ajman.
Donation sites
The ERC noted that it has allocated about 321 donation collection sites in all emirates of the country, especially in shopping malls, popular markets, and densely populated areas. There are also a number of other locations for collecting in-kind donations, in addition to donating through the ERC’s centres, website, smartphone application, bank deposits, text messages, free phone number, cash donation boxes, and electronic devices.
Externally, the ERC stated that 806,448 people in 44 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America will benefit from Ramadan programmes, at a cost of Dh14,700,000. The cost of the iftar project is Dh7.7 million, Zakat Al Fitr is around Dh3 million and Eid clothing is Dh3.5 million.
The ERC launched its seasonal Ramadan campaign under the slogan ‘Ramadan... Continuous Giving’ during a press conference at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The event was attended by Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of ERC, Deputy Secretaries-General, and partners.
Al Mansouri said the ERC’s programmes and activities inside and outside the country are witnessing a steady growth. He added that the ERC is keen to expand the range of beneficiaries of Ramadan programmes in a number of countries, especially in the Gaza Strip, where it will distribute 10,000 iftar meals daily during the holy month, in addition to providing other Ramadan needs.
