Dubai Customs organized "Sufrat Al Furdah (Al Furdah Feast)" for senior citizens in collaboration with the Dubai Community Development Authority. The initiative aimed to support communication and interaction with senior citizens and promote social responsibility initiatives.
The event took place in the main building of the government department and hosted 60 senior citizens, both men and women. Employees from various departments and members of the Ghayath Volunteer Team also participated in the event. All attendees enjoyed an iftar meal in a family-friendly atmosphere that reflected the spirit of Ramadan.
The "Sufrat Al Furdah" event is an annual event organized by Dubai Customs to show appreciation for the significant role and contribution of senior citizens in building the community. The event also aims to strengthen dialogue and deepen human connections with senior citizens. During the event, Dubai Customs employees had amiable conversations with the senior citizens and attentively listened to their cherished memories, fostering a welcoming and optimistic familial ambiance.
At the end of the event, senior citizens were presented with gifts and thanked for accepting the invitation to the iftar meal at Dubai Customs. They have expressed their happiness with this initiative that the department has been organizing annually. It is considered a family gathering that brings together those who have made a clear contribution to the building of the nation with the future generations. It is also an opportunity to benefit from their experience during their practical lives.
Khalil Saqer bin Gharib, Director of Corporate Communication Department, shared his thoughts on the initiative and stated that Dubai Customs is dedicated to bringing joy to the community and promoting the values of volunteerism and teamwork among diverse segments of society. The government department has been ramping up its charitable and volunteer efforts to assist all members of society during the holy month of Ramadan and throughout the year, with the goal of achieving sustainability in community initiatives. These efforts are in line with the organization's strategic plan for 2021-2026.
Bin Gharib pointed out that the agenda of Ramadan initiatives this year varies to include charitable, community, and awareness-raising activities to cover all areas of social responsibility, in addition to health awareness events for employees.
Dubai Customs' initiatives during Ramadan 2022 benefited 43,000 beneficiaries from different segments (laborers, senior citizens, underprivileged families, employees, and customers), in addition to special initiatives and events for employees. The initiatives have acquired a charitable human value to deepen social solidarity and communication.