Dubai, UAE – March 01, 2025 – UAE proudly announces its ambitious goal to distribute 500,000 wholesome iftar meals across Dubai during Ramadan this year. Leading the charge is the Model Service Society (MSS), a non-profit group approved by the Community Development Authority (CDA).
For 19 years, MSS has been feeding blue collar workers, serving 14,000 meals every day of the holy month. After handing out 400,000 meals last year, they’re ready to do even more with over 200 volunteers.
MSS began in 2006 with just 100 meals in Sharjah. “It started small, helping workers near a roundabout, and grew into something big,” said Shajil Shoukath, the General Secretary. “I don’t often eat iftar with my family, but they’re proud I’m helping others.” Volunteers—businesspeople, workers, women, and kids—come together after the afternoon prayer to cook and share meals. They eat with the workers after the evening prayer and return the next day to keep going.
Each meal costs Dh8 and includes biryani with two pieces of chicken, water, yogurt, fruit, and dates. MSS teams up with 10 local kitchens to make sure the food is fresh and clean. “We want every meal to be healthy and filling,” said Faiyaz Ahmed, a volunteer since the beginning. Sometimes, so many people show up that volunteers give up their own meals to feed everyone.
Families make it special. Ameera Hassan, who leads women and kids in Sharjah, joined because of her husband, Nisthar PS, the MSS Treasurer. Faiyaz’s son Adam grew up helping and still talks about it while studying abroad. “It brings us all together,” Ameera said.
This year, MSS partnered with a big company to reach more people, supporting the UAE’s “Year of Community” plan. They make it easy by moving meals from kitchens to workers, keeping costs low for sponsors. More people need help every year, and MSS is stepping up.
“MSS is about sharing and kindness,” Shajil said. As Ramadan nears, they’re asking everyone to pitch in—by volunteering or donating—to hit the 500,000-meal goal. It’s a chance to make this Ramadan amazing, one meal at a time.
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