Arts, Musuem & Culture

Ramadan Iftar in UAE Celebrates Inclusion for Children of Determination

More than 200 people gathered for a special Ramadan iftar celebrating inclusion and support for children of determination in the United Arab Emirates. The event brought together families, community leaders, volunteers and influencers to highlight the importance of compassion and unity during the holy month.

The gathering, held at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, was organised by JYK Community Services in collaboration with Westfield Event Management.

A Platform for Children to Connect

The evening began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Nilofer Saleem, one of the attending children of determination.

“I feel very happy to be here. We wait for this iftar gathering throughout the year,” she said, expressing her excitement about meeting new people and receiving gifts.

Organisers said the initiative aimed to create a supportive space where children and their families could connect, share experiences and celebrate Ramadan together.

Among the guests present were social media personality Khalid Al Ameri and Bollywood veteran actress Kalpana Iyer.

Handmade Gifts and Creative Expression

One of the highlights of the event was a collection of handmade gifts prepared by the children, including:

Wooden lighthouse pieces
Canvas artworks
Decorated sapling pots

These items were personally signed and presented to supporters and partners as tokens of appreciation.

Guests described the gifts as meaningful symbols of growth, resilience and hope, reflecting the creativity and spirit of the children.

“Standing together with people of determination and their families creates meaningful moments that inspire hope and compassion,” said Kalpana Iyer.

Community Support and Activities

The event also featured a range of activities designed to make the evening memorable for children and their families. Gift packages containing toys, stationery, hygiene kits, accessories, plants and grocery packs were distributed to attendees.

Additional contributions included:

Henna artistry provided by Aroushi Beauty Salon
Complimentary health check-ups offered by Aster Clinic
Event photography by Prime Vision Studio

Reflecting the Spirit of Ramadan

According to Juhi Yasmeen Khan, the event aimed to demonstrate the values of compassion and unity that define Ramadan and the UAE’s community spirit.

She noted that the gathering was organised despite suggestions to postpone it due to regional uncertainties, emphasising the importance of maintaining positivity and solidarity.

“We wanted to show the true spirit of the UAE — that we are one community, we are safe, and we stand together,” Khan said.

The evening concluded with shared iftar, performances and interactions between guests and families, providing a meaningful opportunity for children of determination to share their talents, dreams and experiences.