Smart Dubai launches zakat payment service
FEATURE ON DUBAI NOW APP ALLOWS USERS TO CALCULATE AND PAY ZAKAT AMOUNT IN ACCORDANCE WITH SHARIA
Smart Dubai has collaborated with the UAE Zakat Fund to launch a secure zakat payment service on the DubaiNow app.
The new service allows users to calculate their zakat amount in accordance with Sharia, and then pay the full amount or part of it. The feature adds to the existing set of services in the ‘Donations and Islam’ categories of the DubaiNow app, which include the Zakat Al Fitr (given at the end of Ramadan) payment service and allow users to donate iftar meals (for ending the fast) in collaboration with the Dar Al Ber Society.
Smart Dubai’s initiative does away with the need to physically visit a centre or a charity to make the payment, in line with Covid-19 safety protocols .
What is zakat?
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and relates to the giving of a set portion of one’s wealth in charity. DubaiNow can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store and Google Play for Android. The app also provides access to more than 130 services from over 30 government and private entities.
Abdullah Bin Oqeedah Al Muhairy, UAE Zakat Fund’s secretary-general, said that Smart Dubai was the first entity to communicate with the Zakat Fund.
Paperless drive
Wesam Lootah, CEO, Smart Dubai Government Establishment, said: “DubaiNow has established itself as an innovative city app allowing users to easily complete their everyday tasks and transactions, saving them time and effort. The app is a key driver of Smart Dubai’s strategic goals, accelerating the holistic digital transformation of the city, and helping transform the Dubai Government into a fully paperless government by December 12, 2021.”
BFL launches campaign to support Dar Al Ber Society
Meanwhile, BFL (Brands For Less) Group has announced the launch of the ‘Be the Helping Hand’ campaign during Ramadan aimed at supporting Dar Al Ber Society. As part of the campaign, the group will provide and facilitate the collection of in-kind and cash donations for Dar Al Ber Society. In addition to the customer’s donations, the group will also allocate a share of its sales revenues to support people who are in need. BFL Group will implement the campaign in two ways. The first one includes collecting donations through its shops in the UAE and on its e-commerce platform. These contributions will be used by Dar Al Ber’s Iftar campaign where Dh10 is equivalent to sponsoring one iftar meal.
The second aspect encourages customers to donate clothes and toys in all BFL Group’s outlets, as part of its efforts to provide Eid clothing to orphans and families in need. In addition to the fundraising, the offprice retailer will also allocate a share of its revenues to support Dar Al Ber Society.