Taste of Giving: Dubai Cares Serves Hope to Children in Need

This month, dining out across Dubai takes on a new meaning – where a shared meal can help a child learn, grow, and dream

There’s something deeply human about coming together over food. It’s how we connect, unwind, and celebrate. But this month, that shared act carries even more meaning as Taste of Giving returns – the annual initiative by Dubai Cares that transforms everyday dining into a gesture of hope. 

Running from October 16 to November 16, the campaign unites restaurants, cafés, and food brands across the UAE in support of school-feeding programmes for children in need. Each meal purchased at a participating venue helps fund one nutritious meal for a child in a vulnerable community, ensuring that every dirham spent nourishes more than just an appetite. 

For Amal Al Redha, Director of Partnerships at Dubai Cares, the message is simple: “A school meal is more than nourishment. It’s the promise of focus, dignity, and a chance to thrive.” That promise has inspired some of the country’s most recognisable names in dining – from Al Beiruti and The Maine to Tashas, Risen Café & Artisanal Bakery, Americana Foods, and Burro Blanco – all pledging a portion of their proceeds to Dubai Cares’ global efforts. 

Now in its latest edition, Taste of Giving has grown into a movement that reflects the best of Dubai itself: generous, diverse, and driven by community. “Returning for a second year to support Dubai Cares with the Taste of Giving campaign is especially meaningful for us,” says Natasha Sideris, Founder and CEO of Tashas Group. “We believe in giving back to the communities that welcome us, and this collaboration allows our guests to share in that purpose. Together, we’re proving that dining out can be both a delightful experience and a force for good.” 

At a time when more than 73 million children in low and middle income countries attend school hungry, the campaign serves as a powerful reminder that compassion can be woven into the simplest moments – a coffee, a dinner, a meal shared with every bite becoming a step toward change.