While , some women in the UAE have turned their charitable efforts into year-round commitments, fostering sustainability and compassion within their communities.

Their initiatives, ranging from repurposing pre-loved clothing to providing free mobility aids, are making a tangible difference in the lives of many, especially during the holy month.

For Mariya Murtaza, giving back to the community has become a deeply personal mission. In the , she worked tirelessly, often late into the night … to sort, fold, and pack clothes for donation. This year alone, she sent three cargo shipments of 60kg each to underprivileged communities in India.

A UAE resident for 26 years, Mariya, told Khaleej Times, “When you visit India, you can’t help but notice how many people struggle for basic necessities. It makes you realise how blessed we are. Here, we often have more than we need, and these donations can make a real difference. Just before Ramadan, I managed to send five to six shipments since the need is greater during this time. The holy month brings more community gatherings, making it even more important to help those in need.”

Her initiative began a decade ago, long before WhatsApp groups facilitated large-scale coordination.

“Back then, my sister and I started by collecting extra clothes from our own home and sending them to those in need. As the initiative grew, we expanded to collecting from Sharjah since it was close by. My sister, who is no longer with us, used to drive around and personally collect donations from people. I coordinated with cargo services to ensure the clothes reached India. Over time, the word spread.”

After her sister’s passing six years ago, Mariya felt compelled to continue their shared mission.

“I didn’t want it to stop because I knew how much it helped those in need, and it brought me a deep sense of fulfillment.”

What began as a shipment every few months has now turned into a regular effort, with donors dropping off clothes at her home.

“People are always willing to give. Friends and family help me manage the logistics of sending the cargo. Since I don’t have a separate storage room, I keep everything in my drawing room. I personally open each bag, sort the clothes into categories for men, women, and children, and ensure everything is neatly folded and organised.”

She emphasises the importance of

“I always remind donors that whatever they would wear, others would also want to wear. So, the clothes should be in good condition. If I find any torn items, I cut out the usable fabric so it can still serve a purpose. Aside from clothes, people also donate bags, bedsheets, curtains, and toys, all of which I collect and send.”

Today, with support from a cargo company that offers her discounted shipping, she is able to send a 60kg shipment every 15 to 20 days.

“This initiative is incredibly fulfilling. The gratitude I receive is overwhelming, and even when I feel exhausted, the positive messages from those who receive the clothes motivate me to keep going. Before bed, I always try to organise everything, knowing that it will make a difference to someone in need.”

Like Mariya, Farridah Huzefa’s acts of kindness has also grown into impactful community efforts, turning the spirit of giving into a way of life beyond Ramadan.

The expat who has been in the country for the past 17 years has created a unique initiative offering free wheelchairs on a returnable basis, ensuring that individuals with temporary mobility challenges such as post-surgery patients, the elderly, or visitors, have access to essential support.

“This initiative is my way of giving back to society. At some point in our lives, we’ve all received help — directly or indirectly. I provide free wheelchair services to those in need, on a returnable basis. This service helps individuals recovering from surgery, those who are temporarily unwell, or elderly parents visiting their families. By making wheelchairs easily accessible, I aim to simplify mobility without any financial burden.”

Once an individual no longer needs the wheelchair, it is returned so it can be used by someone else.

“Usually around this time of the year, when the weather is good and around Eid when families visit, there is a high demand for these wheelchairs.”

Farridah acquires wheelchairs through various means — purchasing pre-owned ones from Dubizzle, taking advantage of offers at different pharmacies, or receiving donations. Today, she has around 75 wheelchairs in circulation.

She said the idea stemmed from a personal experience.

“It all started with a simple act of kindness. I had a spare wheelchair at home for my mother’s annual visits. A friend, aware of this, borrowed it when her father visited. When she returned it after her father left for India, she was deeply moved and thanked me profusely. Her gratitude touched me … it made me realise how a small gesture could make a world of difference.

"Her father, who had never travelled to the UAE before, had medical issues and limited mobility. Thanks to the wheelchair and the country’s excellent infrastructure, he was able to explore the city with ease. Having a wheelchair in the car meant they never had to second-guess whether they could go somewhere. That moment inspired me to expand this initiative.”

A local company now supports her effort by providing storage at their factory and overseeing the maintenance and cleaning of the wheelchairs.

“People can pick up and return the wheelchairs there. Additionally, the company has assigned someone to oversee the entire process, ensuring that the wheelchairs remain in good condition,” added Farridah.