Volunteering with Passive Blessings
About Passive Blessings
Passive Blessings is a small, warm volunteer community in Dubai that hands out hot meals to construction workers in the labour camps of Al Quoz. It was started in 2025 by Yusef Bouattoura, and the idea behind it is simple: share a meal, and with it a bit of recognition and dignity for the men who build the city around us.
The group describes its work as rooted in Sadaqah Jariyah, the Islamic idea of ongoing charity. That said, you do not need to share that faith to take part. The group is clear that everyone is welcome, whatever your religion or nationality, and whether you turn up alone or bring friends.
Passive Blessings operates under a permit from the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) of the Government of Dubai, permit number PRHCE-005484337. That is worth knowing, because charitable collections and distributions in Dubai need official approval, and it is reassuring to see a grassroots group doing things properly.
What volunteers do
The heart of Passive Blessings is a weekly gathering. Every Thursday evening, usually after Maghrib prayer, volunteers meet in Al Quoz and hand out hot meals to workers. It is hands-on, friendly and fairly informal. You help carry and pass out food, say hello, and spend a little time with people who often work long hours far from their families.
The exact time and the meeting pin change from week to week, so the group shares them in its WhatsApp group. Do check there before you set off, rather than relying on last week’s location.
Who can volunteer
This is one of the easiest volunteering experiences in Dubai to try. There is no registration, no induction and no test. You simply join the WhatsApp group, check the weekly details and come along.
No minimum age is stated, and children are welcome with their families. The group does ask that young helpers treat the workers with quiet respect, which makes it a lovely, gentle introduction to giving back for older children who understand that.
Bringing food, water or supplies is optional. Nobody is expected to give money or food to take part. Your time and your company are the point.
How to get involved
- Join the Passive Blessings WhatsApp group. This is where the weekly meeting pin and timing are posted.
- Check the group on Thursday for that evening’s details. Gatherings usually start after Maghrib, so the time shifts slightly through the year.
- Dress modestly and comfortably, with closed shoes (more on that below).
- Head to the pin in Al Quoz, find the organisers and ask where you can help.
- If you have questions first, email passiveblessings.ae@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram (@passiveblessings_).
Other ways to help
Passive Blessings does not run public fundraising drives, donation forms or minimum contributions. If you would like to contribute financially or in kind, the group asks you to get in touch directly by message, and they will explain what is needed that week. We like this approach. It keeps things personal and avoids people buying the wrong things.
You can also help by spreading the word. Sharing the group’s Instagram with friends who have been looking for a regular, low-pressure way to volunteer is a small thing that makes a difference to a community run by volunteers.
Good to know before you go
- Dress code: modest, comfortable clothing and closed shoes. Long sleeves are appreciated but not required. Labour camp areas can be dusty, so trainers are a sensible choice.
- Photos: do not photograph workers without their explicit consent. It is tempting to capture the moment, but these are people’s homes and living spaces, and respect comes first.
- Be respectful: greet people warmly, be patient in queues and follow the organisers’ lead. A smile and a few words go a long way.
- Timing: because the gathering follows Maghrib, the start time moves with sunset across the year. Always confirm in the WhatsApp group.
- Getting there: Al Quoz is spread out and some roads are industrial. In general, it helps to save the pin in your maps app before leaving and allow time to park.
As a general tip, if it is your first time, arrive a few minutes early and introduce yourself. Small groups like this are usually glad of an extra pair of hands, and you will quickly see how things flow.
Contact and links
- Website: passiveblessings.org
- WhatsApp group: join here
- Email: passiveblessings.ae@gmail.com
- Instagram: @passiveblessings_
- Location: Al Quoz, Dubai (weekly pin shared on WhatsApp)
- Permit: IACAD PRHCE-005484337
If you have been meaning to do something practical for Dubai’s workers, a Thursday evening with Passive Blessings is a very good place to start.