Feeding Thousands: The Remarkable Ramadan Initiative of Two Brothers in the UAE
For Malawian brothers Imran and Mohammed Karim, Ramadan is not just a time of fasting, but also of giving. While most people are preparing for iftar with their families, the brothers dedicate their time to serving thousands of blue-collar workers and the needy across the UAE.
Through their organization, Happy Happy UAE, they provide over 33,000 free iftar meals every day at various locations, including labor camps and mosques. Their mission has grown significantly since its inception, now reaching thousands daily during the holy month.
Behind this massive operation, over 200 kitchen staff and 350 volunteers work relentlessly, contributing more than 700 man-hours daily to ensure that the meals are distributed. Every evening, meals are carefully planned, and thousands of kilograms of mutton or chicken are slaughtered and brought to the kitchen in preparation for the next day’s cooking.
The cooking begins early in the morning after suhoor. By midday, over 30,000 hot meals are ready. The packing operation follows immediately after the Dhuhr prayer, with meals, 32,000 laban packets, 40,000 bottles of water, 6,000 kilograms of fruit, and 500 kilograms of dates packed and loaded onto 15 trucks. These meals are then delivered to various locations across Dubai and Sharjah.
Imran Karim, who steps away from his regular business every Ramadan to personally oversee the operation, begins his day at 11 a.m. coordinating efforts between the kitchen and suppliers. His workday stretches until 3 a.m., after which he offers his night prayers, takes suhoor, performs fajr prayers, and rests for just four hours before beginning the next day’s cycle.
“Ramadan brings with it a growing need for support, and we are committed to fulfilling that need. This year, we are reaching over 30,000 people every day,” said Imran Karim.
Vision for 2025
The brothers’ ambition is as large as their hearts. What began with just 10,000 meals per day during their first Ramadan in 2015 has now tripled. Their goal for 2025 is to serve two million meals, a massive leap in their mission to help others.
“What started as a small act of kindness has grown into a mission to serve millions,” said Mohammed Karim. “In 2025, we aim to serve two million meals.”
A Grateful Community
For many workers, these meals are more than just food – they are a symbol of care and compassion. Ahmed Khan, a construction worker from Pakistan, expressed his gratitude for the initiative: “After a long day at work, we look forward to these meals. It’s not just about the food; it’s knowing that someone cares about us,” said Khan. “Imran and the volunteers treat us with kindness and respect, making us feel valued. This initiative brings relief not only to me but to thousands of my colleagues who might otherwise struggle to afford a proper iftar.”
Mohammed Irfan, another beneficiary, was thrilled to meet the brothers after hearing about their efforts. “Meeting Imran in person was a moment I’ll never forget. He greeted us with such warmth and humility, like we were family. Seeing someone so dedicated to helping others makes me feel grateful and inspired,” said Irfan.
A Year-Round Commitment
Unlike many charity initiatives that focus only on Ramadan, the Karim brothers provide daily meals year-round. Their commitment goes beyond seasonal generosity – they aim to build a lasting community of support. “We don’t just serve food; we’re building a community of care. Every meal we provide is a step towards a better tomorrow,” said Imran.
Since launching in 2015, Happy Happy UAE has distributed over eight million food packs in Dubai and millions more globally. What began as a small initiative to help workers during Ramadan has evolved into a global humanitarian mission, impacting countless lives.
“Giving back is a daily commitment, not just a seasonal effort,” said Mohammed. “We serve meals 365 days a year because kindness has no limits.”
