The people of Gaza are in the midst of a humanitarian crisis, following events sparked by a tragic attack on Israel on 7 October. While aid is, currently, still not able to enter Egypt’s Rafah Crossing – it’s something that is set to change imminently, with 20 aid trucks allowed to pass into the Gaza Strip via the crossing. There is hope for more aid to be delivered to the two million people in desperate need across the besieged enclave, and there are many ways for you to help provide aid and relief to these people in desperate need. Here’s how you can help the people of Gaza now.

How to help the people of Gaza now

Tarahum for Gaza

Organised by leading Dubai-based PR Agency JRN Consultancy, Tarahum – For Gaza is an exclusive upcoming supper club raising vital funds to help the people of Gaza. The event, taking place on 29 October, will bring together some of the UAE’s most celebrated chefs under one roof to curate a nine-course dinner in an effort to provide aid to Gaza. Illustrious chefs include Tim Netwon, Hattem Mattar, James Knight-Pacheco, Alex Stumpf, Colin Clague, Troy Payne, Lara Said, Nadia Parekh and Ricardo Goncalves. Tickets are priced at AED1,000 with all proceeds donated to the Red Crescent for Gaza. The supper club will take place at Alserkal Avenue’s design-led space Le Guepard, and promises a stunning setting and menu to match, all for the most worthwhile of causes.

To book, email [email protected] or Whatsapp +971 56 818 6962

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At Alserkal Avenue

Dubai’s cultural hub Alserkal Avenue is collecting donations between 20 and 30 October – asking for cash donations, food packages, hygiene packages and winter packages. Required food packages include items like tuna cans, tea bags, flour, rice, table salt, lentils, cooking oil, pasts, sugar, canned chickpeas and canned beans. Required hygiene products include shampoo, bath towels, face towels, toothpaste and toothbrushes, razor blades, feminine sanitary products and bars of sap. Winter packages request fleece blankets, adult jackets, tents, children’s jackets, sleeping bags, blankets and sheets. The collection is in partnership with Emirates Red Crescent and can be dropped off at Warehouse A1 in Alserkal Avenue.

By dining out at these Dubai restaurants

Many Dubai restaurants have risen up and are donating all their profits to the people of Gaza. Dining at one of these restaurants will support the relief effort:

Rascals Deli – the renowned Jumeirah sandwich shop is donating 100% of last week’s profits to the Emirates Red Crescent Tarahum for Gaza campaign.

Mamma Rita – the healthy Lebanese concept founded by model and influencer Jessica Kahawaty is donating 100% of its revenue to @baitulmaal_usa.

Bait Mayram – one of the Middle East’s best restaurants, JLT’s Palestinian-owned Bait Maryam will donate 100% of its profits to support cilivials of Gaza, donating through Emirates Red Crescent and also matching the amount with a donation to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.

Maiz – another Palestinian-owned concept, beloved Maiz Tacos is donating 100% of its profits this week to the Emirates Red Crescent.

One Life – cool cafe and cocktail spot One Life’s Dubai Design District location is donating 100% of its revenue on 21 and 22 October to the Palestinian relief effort via Red Crescent.

Dukkan El Baba – the Lebanese-Syrian restaurant in Greens is giving anyone who can show a receipt of AED150 or more in donations to the Emirates Red Crescent or The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund a free lunch.

Through small, homegrown initiatives

Multiple homegrown initiatives are cropping up across Dubai and the UAE collecting donations and raising funds to support vital aid. Leading PR and communications agency Bacchus GCC is accepting donations at its D3 offices – asking for milk powder, liquid milk (Aptamil), dietary supplements, biscuit packs, baby diapers, wet wipes, towels, blankets, disinfectant, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, women’s sanitary pads.

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Through the Emirates Red Crescent

The Emirates Red Crescent has opened a number of donation sites across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah and is accepting non-perishable food, hygiene products and health supplies for those in urgent need. In Dubai, drop-offs are at Emirates Red Crescent Headquarters in Al Quoz; Umm Ramool, Al Garhoud; Mall of the Emirates; City Centre Al Shindagha; City Centre Meaisem; City Centre Mirdif; and Arabian Centre. In Abu Dhabi, donation sites include Emirates Red Crescent Headquarters; Carrefour, Airport Road; Marina Mall Caravan; Shahama, Baniyas Co-operative Society; Khalifa City (behind the shops); Baniyas City (next to Lulu Hypermarket); and Al Shawamekh (in front of Lulu Express).

In Sharjah, the donation centres are located at Nekheelat Authority Office; Sharjah Co-operative Society, Helwan; Sharjah Co-operative Society, Al Dhaid; and Lulu Hypermarket, Al Hazana. While in Fujairah, seven sites include the Emirates Red Crescent Headquarters; Al Bustan Hall; Masafi Council; Bidiyah Council; Hawaya Suburb, Khorfakkan; Suhaila Suburb, Kaiba; and Dibba Fujairah Co-operative Society for Fishermen.

There are also seven sites across Fujairah, including the Emirates Red Crescent Headquarters; Al Bustan Hall; Masafi Council; Bidiyah Council; Hawaya Suburb, Khorfakkan; Suhaila Suburb, Kaiba; and Dibba Fujairah Co-operative Society for Fishermen.

Global charities

There are many global charities across the world raising funds for Palestinians in Gaza. Here are the vetted organisations to donate to:

Emirates Red Crescent

Islamic Relief

Save the Children

United Nations Relief and Works Agency