The sixteenth edition of the “Your Iftar is on Us” initiative has been launched
With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, the “Your Iftar is on Us” initiative launched its sixteenth edition under the slogan “Don’t Speed… Your Iftar is on Us,” continuing its successful run in the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar. This pioneering community volunteer campaign is an integral part of the Ramadan experience in the Kingdom, aiming to distribute thousands of safe and carefully packaged Iftar meals to fasting motorists at traffic lights and on major highways just before sunset.
Background of the initiative and its societal importance
This initiative is a direct response to a noticeable social phenomenon during Ramadan: increased speeding on roads just before Iftar, as many rush to reach home on time, significantly raising traffic accident rates. The "Iftar is on Us" initiative was founded to offer a practical and humane solution to this problem. By providing a quick and convenient Iftar meal, the initiative encourages drivers to stop safely and eat without rushing, effectively contributing to road safety and protecting lives and property. The initiative also embodies the noble Islamic values promoted during this holy month, such as feeding the fasting and social solidarity.
Local and regional impact of the initiative
Locally, the initiative's impact extends beyond reducing traffic accidents; it also fosters a culture of volunteerism and community engagement, particularly among young people. This aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to develop the non-profit sector and empower social responsibility. Over the years, the initiative has witnessed unprecedented participation from volunteers across all segments of society, with some years seeing over 1,000 volunteers successfully distributing tens of thousands of meals, reaching nearly 30,000 iftar meals in one edition. This success reflects the inherent spirit of giving within Saudi society and highlights the highest ideals of collaboration between the public, private, and civil society sectors to serve those fasting. Regionally, "Your Iftar is on Us" serves as an inspiring model that can be adopted and implemented in other countries facing similar traffic challenges during Ramadan.
Broad community participation and integrated efforts
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) explained that the campaign relies primarily on the efforts of volunteers, who are its driving force. This active participation reflects a growing community awareness of the importance of road safety and a spirit of solidarity. The initiative's success and its continuation for sixteen years is a testament to the integrated efforts and meticulous organization behind it, which ensures that meals reach the largest possible number of fasting people in the most crowded locations, thus effectively and efficiently achieving its noble humanitarian and community goals.
