News DeskDubai, UAE – As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Aster Volunteers, the global corporate social responsibility arm of Aster DM Healthcare, has once again rolled out its annual outreach campaign under the banner of the “Joy of Giving” Program, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to community care and compassion across the UAE.
Now in its seventh year, the initiative is being delivered with the support of Aster’s extensive network of hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and retail outlets, bringing together employees, volunteers and partners for a shared humanitarian mission. This year, the program will see the distribution of 150,000 Iftar kits across Dubai, carried out in collaboration with Dubai Police, while also extending support to vulnerable communities living in remote desert areas.
At the heart of the campaign is a large-scale Iftar distribution drive aimed at motorists navigating the city’s busy roads during sunset. More than 100 volunteers will be stationed at six major traffic junctions across Dubai, handing out meal boxes during peak evening hours to ensure commuters can break their fast safely and on time. The effort, coordinated alongside Dubai Police, is designed to maintain smooth traffic flow while delivering timely assistance.
Over the course of 30 days, volunteers from Aster Hospitals & Clinics, Aster Pharmacies and the wider community will distribute an average of 5,000 Iftar boxes daily, with numbers expected to reach up to 6,000 on certain days. Each kit contains dates, water, juice and a snack cake — simple yet essential items offering comfort and nourishment to fasting individuals on the move.
Reflecting on the initiative, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, highlighted the deeper purpose behind the program. He noted that Ramadan serves as a time for compassion and reflection, adding that while the Iftar drive supports motorists, the wider outreach efforts aim to bring care and dignity to communities that often remain out of sight.
Dubai Police also underscored the value of the partnership. Major Tariq Alabedle, Duty Officer at Al Rafaa Police Station, expressed appreciation for the collaboration, stating that supporting humanitarian initiatives during Ramadan not only enhances road safety but also strengthens the spirit of unity across the community.
Beyond the city, Aster Volunteers are taking their mission further into the desert outskirts of Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain, where teams are reaching farm labourers and shepherds living in isolated settlements. These visits focus on delivering one-month ration kits containing essential food and grocery supplies to individuals and families working in demanding conditions with limited access to basic services.
Medical volunteers accompanying the outreach are also providing preliminary health screenings, consultations and basic medicines, alongside skincare products and vitamin supplements to support overall wellbeing. The initiative seeks to bring both healthcare and humanitarian relief directly to workers whose contributions often go unnoticed despite their vital role in the agricultural ecosystem.
Building on the success of last year’s campaign — which also saw 150,000 Iftar kits distributed across the UAE — the 2026 edition of the “Joy of Giving” Program reflects Aster DM Healthcare’s continued dedication to inclusive community support. From busy urban roads to remote desert shelters, the initiative aims to ensure that the spirit of Ramadan reaches every corner of society.
Through these combined efforts, Aster Volunteers once again demonstrate how collective action and empathy can translate into meaningful impact, delivering comfort, care and connection throughout the holy month.
