A total of 13 sites have been allocated by the Fujairah Welfare Association and the Fujairah Branch of the Red Crescent Society to offer free Iftar meals for fasting Muslims in several parts of Fujairah and the East Coast.

The Fujairah Welfare Association has arranged nine locations in mosques and some other tents in Fujairah city, Dibba, Kalba, Thoban and Khor Fakkan.

The association has also started its Ramadan campaign to distribute foodstuff to the needy and poor in Fujairah and the East Coast. A total of 2,000 families are expected to benefit from this assistance.

"The association has distributed coupons to needy families to buy food very cheaply for Ramadan requirements," said Judge Mohammed Saeed Dhiab, Chairman of the Zakat and Local Assistance Committee at the Fujairah Welfare Association.

Rice, sugar, flour and dates will be distributed among the needy.

Judge Dhiab said more than 1,296 people from 198 needy families will benefit from Zakat. The Zakat Committee has asked other families to complete their applications so that they can get the aid.

The association will also offer humanitarian aid to another 25 families. It will also help patients and buy medical equipment and other assistance for the disabled and orphans.

"Responding to the directives of Saeed Mohammed Al Raqabani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and Chairman of the Association, the Zakat Committee will continue holding its weekly meetings to discuss applications from families in the area," said Judge Dhiab.

He urged UAE nationals and expatriates to cooperate with the association and encouraged them to donate money and pay Zakat. He also thanked volunteers who helped trace needy families.

Saif Al Etr, Director General of the Fujairah Welfare Association, asked nationals to look for more national families who need assistance, especially in villages and remote mountainous areas.

Apart from assisting Muslim refugees in Afghanistan, the Fujairah branch of the Red Crescent Society has also prepared four locations to offer free Iftar in Fujairah, Kalba, Khor Fakkan and Dibba. Some 200 people can be accommodated in every location.

The society also organises other projects during Ramadan which include offering Eid clothes and Al Fitr Zakat money which is taken from every fasting Muslim to be given to the poor and needy.

The society is still collecting money and other donations from the public to help Afghan refugees through its centres in Fujairah, Kalba and Khor Fakkan.