Dubai: During Ramadan this year, when people gathered to end their fast, one Dubai resident prepared to serve meals to them — free of cost.
Amir Ali, a Pakistani who arrived in the UAE in 1979, is the owner of a cafeteria in the Oud Metha area of Dubai, and has been offering free iftar meals during Ramadan for six years.
He told Gulf News: “When I was younger, and living in Pakistan, my uncle used to serve free meals during Ramadan every year. During the afternoons, we would cut fruits and prepare some meals and people would arrive at iftar time to eat.
“Growing up, I saw this regularly, and it became a tradition. I wanted to continue the legacy when I moved to the UAE. But, I couldn’t do so immediately as my financial situation became bad. However, things turned around six years ago, and I picked up where I had left off.”
The cafeteria opened 15 years ago, but Ali took over in 2011. Other than it being a tradition, providing someone a meal is a way for Ali to give back for the kindness shown him.
He said: “I am so grateful to the Almighty. He has given me a great life despite all the struggles. I believe that He has given me an opportunity to prove my worth and give back in some small way and thank the world.
“People ask me why I do what I do. It’s simple - good things have happened in my life, so now I want do something good for others.”
At iftar time, Ali’s small cafeteria, comprising six tables, would buzz with life. As part of the meal, which costs Dh7 on average, he served five types of fruits, samosa (spicy pastry), pakoda (fritter), laban, water, juice and biryani.
Ali said: “Initially, I used to serve individual packs of biryani to every visitor. But, I noticed that people were wasting food. Now, I keep maybe three packs on one table and people can share.”
He started off by preparing the meals on his own, but as time went by, people started donating to the cause. He often gets visitors who want to sponsor the meals for the day.
Ali said: “There are those who cannot afford to pay. They help with the set up and cleaning of the tables. In this way, they are helping out.”
At the age of 67, Ali personally serves his customers. He believes it is his duty, and that of his generation, to set a good example for the generations to come and help them understand the concept of charity.
He said: “We need to show them how our good deeds have brought us a long way. And how working for the good automatically gives you the strength to carry on. At this age, I still carry tea trays around the cafeteria to serve customers. By doing so, I hope I can show the younger generation that anything is possible if you put your heart in it. If I can inspire them in someway, my life will have been worth it.”
