DUBAI – Hundreds of students in Dubai’s National Charity School in Al Garhoud were given a chance to ‘shop for free’ through a unique Ramadan initiative, offering them the opportunity to pick gifts for themselves and their families.
The initiative, called ‘Gift It Forward’, is an annual corporate social responsibility (CSR) program by Dubai Holding, now in its second edition. Unlike traditional charity events where donations are pre-distributed, this program allows students to select items based on their personal needs, ensuring a more meaningful and dignified giving experience.
A Dignified Approach to Charity
The mini-bazaar-style event was set up at both the Girls’ and Boys’ campuses of the National Charity School, where students from Grades 5 to 12 were invited to browse through a range of brand-new items.
Tala Khlat, Associate Director for Philanthropy at Dubai Holding, emphasized the importance of allowing beneficiaries to make their own choices.
“It’s both an empowering and a dignified way of receiving gifts,” Khlat stated. “With this initiative, students not only choose their own gifts but also select items they would like to give to their family or friends.”
What the Students Received
Students were given the chance to pick up to 10 new items, carefully curated from donations by 25 participating companies, including:
- Clothing and accessories
- Personal care products
- Homeware items
- Toys and games
- School supplies
Participating brands included Jumeirah, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Azadea Group, L’Occitane en Provence, Virgin Megastore, Apparel Group, Alshaya Group, and The Giving Movement, among others.
Expanding the Impact in 2025
Last year, the first edition of ‘Gift It Forward’ successfully distributed 120,000 items valued at approximately Dh7 million, benefiting over 10,500 individuals, primarily workers across Dubai.
In 2025, the initiative has expanded its reach:
- More than 200,000 new items have been collected.
- Over 500 volunteers are supporting the initiative.
- The program will benefit more than 11,000 individuals, including single mothers, low-income families, and workers across various locations in Dubai.
“The overwhelming response to last year’s edition strengthened our determination to enhance our impact in 2025,” said Huda Buhumaid, Chief Impact Officer at Dubai Holding. “This initiative promotes a culture of volunteering and reinforces our commitment to being a force for good.”
Students Express Gratitude
For the students, the experience was not just about receiving gifts but also about sharing them with loved ones.
- Grade 10 student Yara, originally from Egypt, expressed excitement after finding a colorful shirt and skirt for her younger sister.
- Grade 12 students Maryam and Azhar picked out jeans, shirts, and novelty items for their siblings, making the experience even more special for their families.
- Grade 11 student Suhayb Badar, from Syria, was delighted to choose trendy t-shirts and comfortable trousers for his younger brother.
National Charity School’s Security and Safety Officer, Raya Bataineh, praised the initiative, noting the joy and empowerment it brought to students.
“They were happy ‘shopping for free’ for their loved ones,” Bataineh remarked.
As ‘Gift It Forward’ continues throughout Ramadan, its impact extends beyond simple charitable giving. By allowing recipients to choose what they need, the initiative preserves dignity, promotes self-sufficiency, and strengthens the spirit of generosity in the UAE’s diverse community.
With corporate and volunteer participation increasing, the initiative is set to become a cornerstone of social responsibility in Dubai, ensuring that the true spirit of Ramadan—giving with dignity and kindness—continues to thrive.
