Ramadan in UAE: Hollywood actor delays flight to join iftar for workers in Dubai, feels ‘choked up’ - watch video

Dubai: In a gesture that touched many, Hollywood actor, American TV host, and former football player Terry Crews delayed flying out of Dubai and helped pack and serve iftar meals for workers here on the first day of Ramadan on Saturday.

Known for his roles in movies like White Chicks, The Expendables series, and Ridiculousness, as well as for his role in the popular TV show Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Crews took part in the iftar meals distribution organised by The Giving Family in Al Quoz Industrial Area.

Sabrina Rabhi, one of the co-founders of The Giving Family, told Gulf News that Crews, who was in town on some other work, delayed his flight to show his genuine support for the cause. “He came by to see what we do and delayed his flight just to be part of it,” she said.

“He helped us to pack and distribute the meals and gave a speech to the volunteers, expressing how impressed he was with the community’s efforts and the organisation of the event.”

Videos shared on social media showed him applauding Fadie Musallet, who co-founded the initiative, and telling the volunteers supporting the cause that he felt honoured to be among them.

“I am actually choked up,” Crews said. “I want you to know that what you are doing today here means so much to so many.”

He said that the volunteers reminded him of his family and praised the “amazing humanity” for building the community and city.

“God bless each and every one of you because it means so much…I always say, all you have to do is to help one. It is not about helping everybody. It is about helping one. You are doing that today. So, give yourself a loud round of applause,” he added.

Half a million iftars

Rabhi said The Giving Family’s 2025 iftar campaign, which kicked off with the goal of distributing 500,000 meals throughout this Ramadan. “Yesterday, we started with 5,000 meals, and our goal this year is to complete half a million meals over the month.”

The campaign encourages sponsorship of the meals and urges volunteers including children to take part in packing and serving iftar boxes to highlight the significance of helping others and giving back.

“We have hundreds of volunteers each day including many children. It’s important to teach them about the need to give back, especially since we are so blessed to live here,” she said.

Founded in 2017 with the goal to share 100-500 meal packs with Dubai labour workforce, The Giving Family has grown to the point where 2024 saw 350,000 meals distributed during the 30 days of Ramadan, and recognition coming from Dubai Police and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

The daily number of meals distributed varies based on donations, with some days reaching up to 20,000 meals.

Pre-loved items, prayers for others

In addition to meals, The Giving Family is also collecting pre-loved clothing and children’s toys at the event this year. “We have a truck every day to collect donations, and it’s open to everyone to drop off clothes for men, women, and children,” Rabhi said.

The community-driven initiative also includes a whiteboard where people can write prayers (duas) for those who are sick or deceased. “It’s a way for everyone to come together and pray for others,” she added.