Now in its second year, ‘Gift It Forward,’ an initiative by Dubai Holding, is offering students a unique opportunity to select essential items for Ramadan rather than just receiving pre-packed donations.
At the National Charity School in Al Garhoud, students from grades 5 to 12 took part in this special event, where they were able to pick up to 10 brand-new items from a diverse selection, ensuring their choices matched their personal needs and those of their families.
Empowering Students Through Choice
Grade 12 students Maryam and Azhar carefully browsed through rows of clothes, choosing jeans and shirts for their younger sisters, while Grade 11 Syrian student Suhayb Badar searched for trendy t-shirts and comfortable trousers for his younger brother. This initiative allowed students not only to receive gifts but also to curate their selections based on their specific needs. 
Dubai Holding transformed the girls’ and boys’ campuses into bustling marketplaces, where students could explore a variety of clothing, accessories, personal care products, homeware, toys, and school supplies. The items were generously donated by 25 companies, including Jumeirah, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Azadea Group, L’Occitane en Provence, Virgin Megastore, Apparel Group, Alshaya Group, and The Giving Movement
Expanding Impact for 2025
Following the success of last year’s campaign—where 120,000 items worth approximately Dh7 million were distributed to over 10,500 individuals, mostly workers—Dubai Holding expanded the initiative to include schools.
“This year, we are expanding our reach beyond workers to support schools, single mothers, and low-income families across Dubai,” said Khlat, one of the initiative’s organizers. With 200,000 new items collected and over 500 volunteers mobilized, the initiative aims to benefit more than 11,000 residents across the city.
Huda Buhumaid, Chief Impact Officer at Dubai Holding, highlighted the motivation behind the initiative:
“The overwhelming response from last year strengthened our commitment to making an even bigger impact in 2025. ‘Gift It Forward’ harnesses the collective efforts of our partners, fostering a culture of volunteering and reinforcing our dedication to creating a better future.”
A Special Experience for Students
The initiative received praise from National Charity School’s security and safety officer, Raya Bataineh, who described it as an empowering experience for students.
“They were thrilled to be ‘shopping for free’ for their loved ones,” she said.
Grade 10 student Yara, originally from Egypt, expressed her excitement: “There were so many options, and I was lucky to find a colorful shirt and skirt for my younger sister.”
Meanwhile, Maryam and Azhar selected pens and novelty items, in addition to clothing for their siblings, making the experience even more meaningful for their families. With a focus on community support, choice, and empowerment, ‘Gift It Forward’ continues to bring joy and relief to those in need while strengthening the spirit of generosity during Ramadan in Dubai.
