No distributing iftar meals in homes, mosques

DONATIONS MUST BE CHANNELLED THROUGH APPROVED DUBAI CHARITIES

Authorities in Dubai have urged residents not to distribute iftar meals in front of their houses, at mosques or at any other place. All iftar meals should be channelled through approved charity organisations in Dubai as part of Covid-19 protocols.

Restaurants are also prohibited from accepting orders from the public for iftar meal donations and promoting such donations.

The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai formed a team to organise the distribution of iftar meals and donations. Registered charities in Dubai include:

■ Tarahum Charity Foundation is carrying out its ‘Fasting Breakfast (Iftar) project’. Visit its website or contact its meal distribution service: 050-4528522

■ Beit Al Khair Society: Toll free contact number for meal distribution service: 80022554. Direct donations can be made to the ‘Meal Distribution Project’ through its website or app.

■ Dubai Charity Association: Contact Abdul Rahman Ali on 055-3434342 for meal distribution, or visit the website.

■ Dar Al Ber Society: Customer service number: 0526155550. Donations can be made to the ‘Meal Distribution Project’ through its website or app.

Restaurants can choose not to screen visible dining areas

Meanwhile, Dubai Economy clarified the rule related to covering dining area in restaurants during fasting hours in Ramadan.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Dubai restaurants do not require special permits to serve food during fasting hours and there was no need for food outlets to place curtains and screens to cover dining areas.

Yesterday, the authority issued a circular clarifying that restaurants in the emirate can choose whether or not to place curtains or cover their facades while serving food during fasting hours.

“The new circular modifies the practice followed previously in the emirate, which required restaurants and other food outlets serving food during fasting hours to place curtains and screens,” it said.

“No special permit from Dubai Economy is required for restaurant and outlets to serve food during fasting hours. The procedures mentioned are in line with the existing regulations and practices related to restaurants.”

Dubai Economy stated that the new circular is effective from the first day of Ramadan.