Ramadan is a time when Muslims from all over the world come together. This is a holy time when Muslims around the world fast and focus their attention on giving to charity. Charitable giving, also known as Zakat, is one of the five pillars of Islam.

In the spirit of giving during the holy month of Ramadan, graduates on the AECOM Middle East Graduate Program, along with Rajdeep Hanspaul (Project Director), Rizwan Malik (Logistics Manager) and Vicky O’Neill (Manager Talent Management), arranged for iftar meals to be distributed to 2,500 labourers on the Yas Acres project site in Abu Dhabi.

Fasting from sunrise to sunset

Iftar is the time when Muslims break their fast after abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Traditionally, the fast is broken with dates or a light snack before the daily evening prayer, called Mahgreb. A full iftar meal then follows.

Much appreciated support

“Every Ramadan AECOM funds iftar meals for labourers on a project site where we have a presence,” comments Loubna Sasso, Graduate Urban Designer. “Giving to the less fortunate is a great way to celebrate Ramadan.”

A commitment to society

AECOM provides construction supervision services on the Yas Acres project, a residential neighbourhood developed by Aldar on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

“One of AECOM's principles is leaving our footprint in all communities where we operate. This is not only a good charity gesture but a commitment with our society,” says Alejandro Garcia Vinagre, HR Director for AECOM Middle East and Africa.

Making a positive impact on local communities

Jason Kroll, Chief Operating Officer for AECOM Middle East and Africa, explains how the iftar meals are part of a wider corporate responsibility initiative to support expat workers.

“AECOM has a labourer welfare initiative through which we give back to construction and domestic workers in the UAE. In addition to the iftar meals campaign we support the nation-wide Box Appeal by creating care packages for labourers and arranging toiletry donations to female shelters. This approach has been developed by our employees, who are keen to make a positive impact on their local communities.”

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