Daily Iftar initiative by Iman Cultural Center applauded

Iman Cultural Center is involved in a large-scale humanitarian initiative, organising a daily Iftar for nearly 7,000 people in the Naif area of Deira, Dubai, during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The initiative has been receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from the community, with people from different nationalities attending the event in large numbers. The Iftar programme is sponsored by Ali Rashid Lootah and organised by the Iman Cultural Center leadership, under the guidance of President Habeebulla Khan, Vice President Kamal, and Treasurer Yahya.

The entire operation is being coordinated by General Secretary Hameed Yasin, along with a dedicated team of about 90 volunteers, who work tirelessly each day to ensure the catering and smooth distribution of meals to thousands of people. Hameed Yasin said that the number of people attending the Iftar gathering was increasing by the day. “The Naif area is filled with people coming together to break their fast,” he said. “Despite the large crowds, arrangements are running perfectly and in a peaceful and organised manner.”

He said that the number of people attending the Iftar gathering has also been increasing every year. “The UAE is truly our second home,” he said. “In the current situation, we are receiving great support from the Government of the UAE. The authorities here take care of everyone, protecting them with great responsibility, just like a mother caring for her children. Because of this, thousands of people are able to gather peacefully here every evening, to break their fast.”

He noted that the Iftar gathering was not limited to Muslims alone. “People from different religions and nationalities attend this event,” he underlined. “All are welcome, and we are happy to share this moment of unity and compassion with the entire community.” He expressed gratitude for the strong support received from Awqaf, the Community Development Authority (CDA), Dubai Police, and the Government of the UAE, whose cooperation, he said, has helped ensure that the initiative runs smoothly and safely.

According to Habeebullah Khan, the initiative reflects the spirit of compassion and unity promoted during the Holy Month. “This is one of the biggest Iftar gatherings in the UAE and it is open to everyone,” he said. “We have made seating arrangements, so that thousands of people can comfortably break their fast together.” He also noted that the event received the necessary approvals from relevant authorities, including the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) and the Community Development Authority in Dubai; it highlighted the importance of such humanitarian initiatives in supporting the community, he said.

Many attendees expressed their appreciation for the UAE’s spirit of tolerance and security as seen in the event, saying that the UAE felt like their second home, with people from different cultures and communities living peacefully and supporting one another. The Consul General from the Indian Consulate in Dubai also attended an Iftar gathering and appreciated the humanitarian efforts of the Iman Cultural Center. He praised the volunteers and organisers for their dedication in serving thousands of people every day during Ramadan.

Apart from organising large-scale Iftar gatherings, Iman Cultural Center has also been actively involved in various social and humanitarian efforts over the years. They include repatriation of human remains to home countries, blood donation drives, medical camps and sports events for labourers, aimed at improving the welfare of expatriate communities in the UAE. The organisation also conducts cultural programmes and social awareness events that promote mutual respect and understanding among Dubai’s diverse communities.

Islam spread to the Tamil region in India through the efforts of Arab traders and missionaries, starting around the 7th-12th centuries. The Tamil Muslim community in the UAE, originating from Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant part of the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf. It is actively involved in the business, technology and service sectors, maintaining a strong cultural identity through community associations, Tamil-language Islamic lectures, and traditional activities like communal Iftar during Ramadan.