Dubai Holding unveils 'Gift it Forward' Ramadan initiative

Keeping with the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan, Dubai Holding has launched the 'Gift It Forward' initiative that repurposes thousands of new items and products into distinctive, one-of-a-kind gifts for blue-collar workers and low-income families.

Held in partnership with the Community Development Authority (CDA), 'Gift It Forward' campaign will revitalise new inventory items collected from Dubai Holding portfolio companies and partner retail brands.

Volunteers will assemble, package and distribute items including clothing, stationery, books and accessories, among many others, and distribute it to over 8,000 blue-collar workers, as well as 500 low-income families supported by CDA.

In line with the Dubai Holding Sustainability Strategy, the repurposing of items into gifts not only helps to reduce waste but also reinforces the importance of mindful consumption with the value of giving. 

"Through Gift It Forward, an initiative that integrates environmental stewardship with social responsibility, we want to enrich the lives of those who work around the clock to ensure the essential services of our communities run seamlessly, while also encouraging the adoption of sustainable behaviours in line with our sustainability agenda," said Huda Buhumaid, Chief Impact Officer, Dubai Holding.

"We believe that instilling the values of giving, community and responsibility, both within the Group and across the UAE, will create a socially and environmentally conscious generation, which will in turn undoubtedly contribute towards shaping a better tomorrow.

Huraiz Al-Murr bin Huraiz, CEO of Social Care & Development Sector in the Community Development Authority, highlighted that the initiative perfectly embodied the spirit of Ramadan.

"An array of carefully selected gifts will be distributed to more than 700 children, aiming to not only spread joy but also to foster a culture of giving and solidarity," she added. 

The 'Gift It Forward' initiative will commence on the first day of Ramadan and extend throughout the holy month, offering family-friendly volunteering options along the way.

In addition, Dubai Holding's destinations, attractions and communities, including Global Village, Al Khawaneej Walk, Riverland™ Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Boxpark Dubai, are commemorating Ramadan with a rich array of events and activities, including competitions, special decorations, late-night openings, Ramadan art exhibitions and stunning weekend fireworks. 

The initiative will support the national #RamadanInDubai campaign.