A unique Ramadan scheme will encourage youngsters to get stamps in their “passports” from mosques across Dubai. The Ayal Al-Freej returns with an expanded season across more than 300 mosques in the emirate as part of the season of Wulfa. 

Ramadan is expected to begin on February 18 or February 19, subject to the sighting of the crescent moon. UAE experts have opined that the holy month is most likely to begin on February 19 due to various reasons.

This is the second year that the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Affairs Department (IACAD) is rolling out this initiative in a bid to instil the values of prayer and discipline.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

Ramadan Prayer Timings

This year the programme has been expanded to over 300 mosques in the emirate and is for children between the ages of 6 and 12.

It is open to both girls and boys, and the IACAD hopes to encourage children to regularly attend prayers and strengthen their connection with mosques during the holy month of Ramadan.

Distribution of the passports began in participating mosques from February 14 and will continue throughout this month.

A Ramadan-themed ice-cream truck bus will also tour mosques, distributing sweet treats to children to build a celebratory atmosphere for the holy month.

The location of the bus will be communicated from the IACAD social media channels. The IACAD has also promised that there will be additional surprises for children at some of the local mosques.

Children are required to wear traditional attire, including kandura and ghutra for boys and national dress and hijab for girls for the initiative.

They have to register with the designated code and attend Tharaweeh prayers at the nearest mosque every day. The mosque imam will stamp the passport after prayers.

Ayal Al-Freej forms a cornerstone of the broader Season of Wulfa, overseen by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

This comprehensive initiative celebrates the UAE's most cherished cultural occasions – Haq Al Leila, Ramadan, and Eid – by strengthening family and social bonds through shared experiences.

The word "Wulfa" itself evokes harmony and togetherness, values that come alive each evening as children rush to collect their stamps, building memories that will last long after the crescent moon signals Eid's arrival.

Last year the initiative was held across 180 mosques and attracted more than 2000 children to mosques in the first week of Ramadan alone.

Young muezzins

In addition to this, the IACAD also conducted a Muezzin al Freej competition for young boys in the lead-up to Ramadan.

20 winners were selected, and their names were announced on Saturday on the department’s social media channels. The initiative was first launched in 2023.

These 20youngsters will raise the call to prayer in Dubai mosques during the course of Ramadan.

According to IACAD, the initiative will be a faith-enriching experience for the children and strengthen their bond with the mosque.

Dubai's Ramadan 2026 calendar: Fireworks, drone shows to light up skies post iftar Ramadan 2026: Karama's street food festival back with 100 restaurants, Dh5 dishes