Sharjah Launches Smart Platforms to Boost Ramadan Donations

Sharjah is accelerating its digital charity ecosystem ahead of Ramadan, with Sharjah Charity International unveiling an extensive network of smart donation platforms designed to make giving faster, safer and more accessible. The initiative reflects the emirate’s strategic push to combine advanced technology with humanitarian work while reinforcing the UAE’s deeply rooted culture of generosity.

As the holy month approaches, officials say the upgraded system is intended to remove traditional barriers to charitable giving and encourage broader community participation across Sharjah. By integrating digital tools with conventional donation channels, the charity aims to create a seamless giving experience for residents, businesses and visitors.

The move comes at a time when digital philanthropy is rapidly expanding across the UAE, positioning Sharjah as a key player in the region’s evolving humanitarian landscape.

Major Digital Push Ahead of Ramadan

Sharjah Charity International has confirmed full operational readiness to receive donations during Ramadan through a suite of innovative digital solutions. The initiative forms part of a wider strategy to strengthen charitable culture while offering secure and convenient donation pathways.

According to officials, the focus of the new system rests on three core pillars:

• Speed of transactions

• Transparency in fund handling

• Ease of access for donors

These priorities align closely with the UAE’s broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to embed smart technology across public services and community initiatives.

Importantly, Ramadan traditionally marks the peak season for charitable giving in the UAE. Therefore, the timing of the rollout is designed to maximise participation and streamline the donation experience during the busiest period.

Smart Donation Screens Rolled Out Across Major Malls

One of the headline features of the campaign is the deployment of 18 smart donation screens in major shopping malls throughout Sharjah. These interactive kiosks represent a significant upgrade from traditional cash collection methods.

The smart screens support multiple secure payment options, including:

• Apple Pay

• Samsung Pay

• QR code scanning

• Credit and debit card payments

Because many residents and visitors now prefer cashless transactions, the kiosks are expected to significantly increase spontaneous giving during mall visits.

Moreover, the touch enabled interface allows donors to select causes quickly, choose donation amounts and complete transactions within seconds. This frictionless experience is particularly important during Ramadan, when charitable impulses are high but convenience often determines participation.

Hybrid Network Expands Physical and Digital Reach

Beyond the smart screens, Sharjah Charity International has developed an extensive hybrid donation infrastructure to ensure accessibility for all segments of the community.

Key deployments across the emirate include:

• 100 donation boxes placed in mosques and public areas

• 6,729 small donation boxes distributed in grocery stores

• 578 donation cabinets installed in mosques

• 730 large donation boxes placed in hotels

• 83 electronic donation devices in hospitality venues

This blended model recognises that while digital adoption is rising, many donors still prefer traditional giving methods. Therefore, maintaining both channels helps maximise participation across different age groups and demographics.

By combining physical presence with smart technology, the charity aims to create one of the most comprehensive Ramadan donation networks in the UAE.

Handheld Devices Introduce Faster On the Spot Giving

To further streamline the donation process, the organisation has introduced 256 handheld donation devices. These portable tools allow staff and volunteers to facilitate secure contributions anywhere within approved locations.

Donors using the handheld devices can quickly:

• Select donation categories

• Choose contribution amounts

• Complete digital payments securely

All transactions are directly linked to the charity’s central systems, enabling real time processing and improved financial oversight.

This approach reflects a growing trend in the UAE charity sector toward mobile enabled giving solutions that reduce processing time and enhance transparency.

Volunteers and Staff Mobilised for Peak Season

While technology plays a central role in the initiative, Sharjah Charity International is also deploying significant human resources to ensure smooth operations throughout Ramadan.

The organisation has assigned:

• 100 vetted volunteers to oversee donation activities during peak prayer times

• 54 customer service staff stationed in malls and government centres

These teams will provide on the ground assistance during key periods such as Friday prayers, Taraweeh and Qiyam Al Lail.

By combining digital infrastructure with trained personnel, the charity aims to deliver both efficiency and personalised support to donors.

Multiple Online Channels Enhance Accessibility

In addition to physical kiosks and devices, Sharjah Charity International continues to expand its digital ecosystem through a wide range of online giving options.

Donors can contribute through:

• The official charity website

• Mobile application

• SMS donation services

• Smart payment links

• Bank transfers

• Dedicated call centre support

This omni channel approach ensures that donors can give from anywhere at any time. Whether someone prefers mobile payments at home or quick kiosk donations in a mall, the system is designed to accommodate all preferences.

Consequently, the charity is positioning itself to capture both traditional Ramadan generosity and the growing wave of digital philanthropy.

Part of the Jood Ramadan Campaign

The expanded donation infrastructure supports Sharjah Charity International’s flagship Jood Ramadan campaign, which aims to mobilise large scale community generosity during the holy month.

Officials have emphasised that every contribution, regardless of size, plays an important role in funding humanitarian and development programmes.

Funds raised through the campaign typically support:

• Family assistance programmes

• Food distribution initiatives

• Medical aid projects

• Education support

• International relief efforts

By enhancing the donation experience, the charity hopes to significantly increase participation in this year’s campaign.

Strengthening the UAE Culture of Giving

Sharjah’s latest initiative reflects a broader national trend toward digitising philanthropy across the UAE. Charitable organisations nationwide are increasingly adopting advanced tools to modernise the giving ecosystem.

Emerging trends include:

• Smart payment technologies

• Artificial intelligence driven donor tools

• Mobile first giving platforms

• Real time donation tracking

• Secure digital wallets

The UAE consistently ranks among the world’s most generous countries. Therefore, authorities are keen to sustain and expand this reputation through technology enabled solutions.

Sharjah’s programme demonstrates how digital innovation can complement deeply rooted cultural traditions of charity and community support.

Why Digital Charity Is Transforming Philanthropy

Experts say smart donation platforms are reshaping the global philanthropy landscape in several meaningful ways.

Key advantages include:

Reduced friction
Digital payments eliminate many of the small obstacles that can delay or discourage giving.

Enhanced trust
Secure payment gateways and real time processing improve donor confidence.

Scalable micro donations
Technology enables small contributions from large numbers of people, significantly increasing total impact.

Improved transparency
Digital systems allow charities to track funds more accurately and report outcomes more clearly.

Broader reach
Online platforms extend fundraising beyond physical collection points.

During Ramadan, when charitable activity reaches its annual peak, these benefits become especially powerful.

Community Call to Action

Sharjah Charity leaders have urged residents, businesses and institutions to actively support the Ramadan giving campaign. Officials expressed strong confidence that the UAE’s humanitarian spirit will once again drive robust participation.

The charity emphasised that the new platforms are designed to make giving simple, secure and impactful for everyone.

With both high tech systems and widespread physical coverage now in place, Sharjah is positioning itself for one of its most digitally enabled Ramadan charity seasons to date.

Future Outlook for Digital Philanthropy in Sharjah

Looking ahead, observers expect Sharjah to continue expanding its smart charity ecosystem. Potential future developments may include deeper integration of artificial intelligence, enhanced donor analytics and expanded cross border digital giving.

As the UAE continues its broader smart city transformation, charitable organisations are likely to remain key adopters of financial technology innovations.

For Sharjah Charity International, the success of this Ramadan season could serve as a blueprint for future humanitarian campaigns both locally and internationally.

Conclusion

Sharjah’s rollout of smart donation platforms marks another important step forward in the UAE’s digital philanthropy journey. By blending advanced technology, strong community engagement and traditional giving channels, the initiative aims to make Ramadan donations easier, safer and more impactful.

As the holy month approaches, the expanded infrastructure is expected to boost participation and streamline contributions across the emirate.

If successful, Sharjah’s model could further strengthen the UAE’s reputation as a global leader in innovative humanitarian work and smart charitable solutions.