Across Dubai, acts of kindness and solidarity are everywhere. From businesses offering free services, restaurants serving free meals to wellness communities offering free sessions, these efforts showcase the resilience, generosity and unity that help define this nation’s community spirit.
F&B Kind
Pickl
Homegrown business Pickl is known for its delicious burgers and bites. To lend a hand during challenging times, the popular homegrown burger brand invited its followers on social media to tag another local business so they could surprise them with some of their famous burgers.
Their post states, ‘If you own a business in the UAE or know someone that does, drop them in the comments, we’d love to treat some people to burgers from us as a little gesture of support to our community. A little pick-l me up.’
And yes, Pickl, we agree. Burgers make everything better.
Petite Gourmet Hospitality
Homegrown UAE catering and food‑service brand is offering free meals to those who need it. They will pack and deliver it to you for no cost. All you have to do is DM them.
In a post, it added, ‘Everyone deserves comfort.’
Querida Mexican
This hidden Mexican gem in the heart of Barsha Dubai is opening its doors to the community offering free wifi and a space to unwind with some telly.
‘In times like these, community matters most. If you need a place to work, rest or just breath for a while, our space is open to you.’
The Mexican restaurant is also offering a complimentary burrito, beverage and dates to anyone breaking their fast.
KEEPING WELL
Melia Desert Palm
Dubai’s wellness sanctuary at Melia Desert Palm is opening its doors to the Dubai community every Thursday in March, offering complimentary Breathwork and Sound Healing sessions in a safe and private space. The session begins at 10am at the Wellness Studio. Do note, spots are limited. For more information, you can contact 04 323 8888.
Immersiv.ae
Designed for busy minds and overstimulated nervous systems, these free online session offer a gentle space to slow your breath, settle your body, and reconnect with the quiet steadiness that lives beneath the surface. It’s a safe, grounding experience to reset, relax, and find calm amidst life’s uncertainties.
The team will announce their next sessions online soon.
The Collective Exhale
The Collective Exhale is a Holistic healing space in Dubai and it is hosting a free series of Nervous System Reset sessions to support women. Those who sign up with explore simple but powerful practices drawn from breathwork, somatic therapy, nervous system regulation and subtle energy healing to help the body soften out of survival mode and return to a place of steadiness and safety.
The sessions are held every Thursday at 8pm. Sign up here.
Dr Jasmin / Health Bay
For stranded patients in Dubai running out of medication, Dr Jasmin of Health Bay is offering consultations free of charge with no consultation fees to help you get your medications. She adds, ‘Your health comes first and humanity will always come first.’
Those who require help can reach out to Dr Jasmin via DM or her Whatsapp number in the post.
Itma’en
If you’re feeling uncertain or low, or just in need of someone to talk to, Dubai has taken another step towards prioritising community wellbeing with the launch of a new mental health support service. It offers free and confidential mental wellbeing guidance for citizens, residents and visitors across Dubai.
Individuals can connect with trained specialists who provide guidance, emotional support and advice for those who may be struggling with their mental health. The service operates daily from 9am to midnight, giving people the flexibility to reach out when they need it most.
The dedicated hotline number is 800 506. It is available from 9am to midnight.
Read more here.
Healthy Minds Club UAE
Healthy Minds Club UAE, a community-driven platform has launched a series of new initiative offering free mental health support for residents across the UAE. You will get access to expert guidance, educational webinars, and complimentary consultations to help manage stress, strengthen resilience, and support their overall wellbeing.
Premal Patel, Managing Director at Healthy Minds Club UAE said, “By providing access to expert support, educational resources, and open conversations around mental wellbeing, we want to help the community better navigate challenges and feel more grounded, resilient, and connected.”
Healthy Minds Club UAE is also offering a complimentary 15-minute consultation with one of its experts providing individuals a safe and confidential space to discuss concerns, receive guidance, and explore ways to better support their mental and emotional wellbeing.
COMMUNITY CONCESSIONS
Finalytics
Now more than ever, people are being mindful of their spending. In order to help GCC SME founders, Finalytics, a Dubai‑based Finance‑as‑a‑Service (FaaS) company is offering a free live workshop on how to manage cash flow during uncertain times.
The Google Meet session takes place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 2pm (GST). All you need to do is register here.
lcofficial
Homegrown brand lcofficial is opening a dedicated space inside their Dubai Hills store and offering it to three homegrown, small business to retail their products. The lifestyle brand is asking its following to spread the word and to tag a small homegrown brand to seize the opportunity.
Fazaa
In conjunction with the Year of the Family 2026, Fazaa, in collaboration with the Ministry of Family, has proudly launched a community initiative to grant free Fazaa discount memberships to all resident families in the UAE. The move gives households across the country access to a wide range of lifestyle benefits, from travel and dining discounts to shopping and entertainment offers, making it easier than ever to enjoy quality time together.
According to the social media post shared online, it states, ‘This initiative is a message of gratitude and appreciation to every family that has chosen the UAE as its home, and a confirmation that your stability and happiness are the foundation of our strong and united community. Because you are part of our success story and partners in our journey of prosperity… 
’
The Entertainer
Dubai-based lifestyle platform the ENTERTAINER launched a community initiative where in it gave away 100,000 free memberships to support UAE residents and local hospitality businesses across the UAE.
The ENTERTAINER offers residents a wide range of buy one, get one free deals across a plethora of participating outlets spanning dining, leisure, wellness, hotel stays and services. The initiative arrives as communities across the UAE navigate a changing landscape, encouraging residents to support local businesses and the wider hospitality sector.
renovo
This Dubai‑based facilities management and property maintenance company is offering free home repairs for properties affected during this time for no cost. In a post on Instagram, it states, ‘This land stood for us. Now we stand for it.’
It spans from fixing windows to repainting, it’s their way of giving back to the community.
justlifeUAE
justlifeUAE, a Dubai‑based on‑demand super‑app offers home services to help make residents life a little easier. It connects users with trained professionals for everyday tasks, and it’s all bookable from your phone. And now, justlifeUAE is taking it a step further and has launched an initiative where it is offering two-hours of cleaning services to the community for just Dhs10.
Everyday, on its social media, justlifeUAE posts four locations wherein residents needing to get their homes sorted can book a cleaning service for just Dhs10. The locations change everyday and you will need to book on the app to avail using exclusive code ‘COMMUNITY’. Limited slots are available.
ENTERTAINMENT THAT TIES US CLOSER
Cinema Akil
We love Cinema Akil. And now, the arthouse cinema has given us just another reason to be a huge fan. The OG venue in Alserkal Avenue is offering a Pay What You Can initiative for select daytime screenings for seats to watch a film for those in transit, awaiting a flight home, unable to pay for a ticket, or simply looking for a place to sit and watch a film in good company. The post states ‘Come by, take a breather and spend time with us. Because sometimes, being together is enough.’
It it redeemable at the Box Office (available for a limited time).
Pirate Surf
Pirates Surf Rescue, the community‑focused surf and lifesaving programa founded in Australia, is giving back with free sessions to support the local community. On Instagram, they shared: ‘When the world feels heavy, the ocean helps kids breathe again.’
At the moment, there are two more sessions your little ones can attend for free: Wednesday, March 18 and Friday, March 20, 2026. These free beach sessions are open for kids to play, surf, and smile with our community. It is open for children ages four to 18 of all experience levels.
The program was already extended due its popularity, so maybe the team may extend is one more time. Keep your eyes on their social media.
Aquaventure World
Home to some of the most daring water rides on the planet, Aquaventure World is a thrill-seeker’s paradise. Towering slides send riders plunging through shark-filled lagoons, while lazy rivers, private beaches and splash zones cater to a more relaxed pace, so however you’re looking to spend the day, it’s a space that caters to all. To give back to the city until Sunday, March 22, there will be a limited number of free tickets released daily, which you’ll need to secure online.
Dates: Until March 22
T&Cs: Valid for UAE residents and visitors, maximum of four complimentary tickets per order. Free tickets must be purchased online in advance, with a limited number available per day
aquaventureworld.com
Dubai Miracle Garden
A vibrant explosion of colour in the middle of the desert, Dubai Miracle Garden features more than 150 million flowers arranged into giant sculptures and themed displays. Expect towering floral castles, heart-shaped archways and even a life-size aircraft covered entirely in blooms. It’s one of the most photogenic attractions in the city and a seasonal favourite for visitors.
Dates: Until March 31
T&Cs: Free entry for UAE residents daily until the end of March, simply present your Emirates ID at the counter to receive a complimentary ticket.
dubaimiraclegarden.com
House of Hype
House of Hype is a high-energy immersive playground packed with neon lights, digital art and futuristic interactive rooms. Located at Dubai Mall, visitors of all ages can wander through themed spaces designed for social media moments, gaming and creative experiences that blur the line between entertainment and art installation.
Dates: Ubtil March 22
T&Cs: 50 free tickets available per day, tickets are given first come, first serve, and must be dressed in all the colours of the UAE flag to secure free tickets.
house-of-hype.com
Jungle Bay Waterpark
Inspired by the whitewashed villages of the Greek islands, Jungle Bay Waterpark at Destination Mina Seyahi blends laid-back Mediterranean style with family-friendly fun. The park features bright blue slides, splash zones and a relaxing wave pool set against a breezy beachfront backdrop. A charming alternative to the city’s larger waterparks, families can enjoy free entry until March 31 to the waterpark and resort beach, plus more perks like 50% off watersports. Marriott Bonvoy members get 20% off food and beverage too.
Dates: Until March 31
T&Cs: Advance booking is mandatory, with a limited number of tickets available each day on a first-come, first-served basis.
marriott.com
Lost World Aquarium
Step into a mythical underwater world inspired by the legend of Atlantis at this atmospheric aquarium inside Atlantis, The Palm. Labyrinth-like tunnels and glowing chambers surround a massive lagoon filled with sharks, rays and thousands of colourful marine species. Ancient ruins, dramatic lighting and themed storytelling make it feel like you’re wandering through a long-lost underwater civilisation.
Dates: Until March 122
T&Cs: Valid for UAE residents and visitors, maximum of four complimentary tickets per order. Free tickets must be purchased online in advance, with a limited number available per day
aquaventureworld.com
Aura Skypool
Floating 200 metres above the Palm, Aura Skypool is the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool and one of Dubai’s most coveted view spots. The circular pool wraps around the tower, offering uninterrupted panoramas of the Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the glittering city skyline. With chic loungers, tropical greenery and sunrise-to-sunset views, it’s pure sky-high luxury.
Dates: Until March 31
T&Cs: There are 500 free tickets available throughout March. You’ll need to book online using the code AURA500 to have a chance of securing them. Valid on all pool experiences.
auraskypool.com.
THE REAL ESTATE COMMUNITY
Over the past two weeks, UAE real estate properties and even hotels have come together to offer stranded travellers a roof over their head for zero dirhams. The list includes: Danube Properties, Peace Homes Development, Mileo Hotel The Palm, Livjaza, MaxStays, HomesGetaway, The Scenic Escape, Ayushi Evernest, Dugata Properties, A-Living Holiday Homes, Arabnb, BnB Family, MoonarcDXB and Airas.
(PS. Readers, feel free to let us know in the comments if we missed anyone out, because these heroes all deserve the shout out.)
