A Ramadan Tradition on Dubai’s Roads
Across Dubai’s busy roads, a simple act of kindness is helping motorists break their fast during Ramadan.
Every evening shortly before sunset, volunteers gather at major traffic intersections to distribute small iftar meal boxes to drivers, taxi operators, and delivery riders who may still be on the road when Maghrib arrives.
The initiative ensures that commuters stuck in traffic can still observe the moment of breaking their fast.
For delivery rider Mohammed Salim, the roadside Iftar distribution has become something he depends on during the holy month
A Welcome Relief for Commuters
For Ahmed Khatib, an Ajman resident who works in Jumeirah Lake Towers, the roadside iftar initiative has become a reassuring part of his daily commute.
Khatib leaves his office around 5 pm and begins the drive home. By the time he approaches a traffic signal near Al Qusais around sunset, volunteers often appear between vehicles carrying small meal packs.
“When the signal stops the cars, a volunteer walks up and hands me an iftar box,” Khatib said.
“Sometimes I still have a long drive ahead. On some days I break my fast in the car. Thanks to these volunteers, I never have to worry about missing iftar.”
The boxes usually contain dates, water, and light snacks, allowing motorists to break their fast immediately.
Helping Workers Who Stay on the Road
For delivery riders and transport workers, the roadside distribution has become especially meaningful.
Mohammed Salim, a delivery rider, spends most evenings completing orders and is often still working when the fast ends.
“During Ramadan, we are usually still on the road when Maghrib arrives,” he said.
“When volunteers hand out iftar boxes at signals, it really helps people like us who are working.”
Salim said the experience reflects the generosity often seen during Ramadan in the UAE.
“You may be far from home and still working, but someone comes to your window with food to break the fast.”
Volunteers Step In at Busy Intersections
Teams of volunteers position themselves at key junctions across the city shortly before sunset.
Once traffic stops at signals, they move quickly between vehicles, handing out iftar packs to drivers.
The effort focuses on locations where commuters are likely to be caught in traffic during the evening rush.
Community Groups Lead the Initiative
Several organisations support the roadside iftar programme each year.
Aster Volunteers, the global corporate social responsibility arm of Aster DM Healthcare, runs large-scale Ramadan food distribution drives across the UAE.
Volunteers from the organisation work with community groups and local authorities to distribute hundreds of meal boxes across Dubai.
Companies Join the Effort
Private sector companies also participate in the initiative.
Emirates Gulf Group distributes approximately 1,000 iftar boxes daily at major intersections such as Al Bustan and Beirut Street.
Volunteers assemble the meal kits each evening before heading to traffic signals shortly before sunset.
Each pack typically includes water, juice, croissants, and dates.
Shamim Yusuf, Group General Manager of Emirates Gulf Group, said the initiative focuses on reaching commuters who cannot make it home in time.
“Many drivers are still stuck in traffic when it is time for iftar,” he said.
“Our goal is to reach a thousand hearts, a thousand smiles, and a thousand prayers every day.”
Volunteers Working Behind the Scenes
Among those helping coordinate the effort is Badariya, a business development coordinator who has volunteered for several years.
She has participated in community initiatives for nearly eight years and says the roadside iftar distribution remains one of the most rewarding.
“We know many people are commuting or working when it is time for iftar,” she said.
“By distributing meals at traffic signals, we make sure they can break their fast even if they are still travelling.”
Volunteers coordinate across several locations and work quickly in the minutes before Maghrib to reach as many motorists as possible.
A Small Gesture With Big Meaning
For many drivers, the roadside iftar box is more than just a meal.
It represents the spirit of Ramadan, where generosity, community support, and compassion come together in simple but meaningful ways.
Even in the middle of traffic, a brief exchange through a car window reminds motorists that someone is looking out for them.
Aster Volunteers distributed iftar packets to drivers waiting at the Al Qusais traffic signal in Dubai, helping motorists break their fast during Ramadan.
KT photo by Shihab
