Dubai’s beloved Ramadan “passport stamp” initiative is making a bigger and brighter return to mosques across the city this year, bringing joy and community spirit to young worshippers.
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) has expanded its Ayal Al-Freej programme to over 300 mosques, inviting children aged 6 to 12 to collect special “Ramadan passports” — earning a stamp each time they attend prayers during the holy month. The effort is designed to nurture a love of prayer and create lasting memories of Ramadan in a fun and engaging way.
Passport distribution began on February 14 and will continue throughout Ramadan, which is expected to begin on February 18 or 19, depending on the moon sighting. Each evening, children dressed in traditional attire — kandura and ghutra for boys, national dress and hijab for girls — gather at their local mosque for Taraweeh prayers. After prayers, the imam stamps their passport, turning spiritual devotion into a moment of pride and excitement.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, a Ramadan-themed ice cream truck will tour participating mosques, handing out sweet treats to children. IACAD has promised even more surprises at selected locations, making every visit to the mosque a special occasion.
The initiative is part of the wider Season of Wulfa, led by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which celebrates cherished cultural traditions like Haq Al Leila, Ramadan, and Eid, while fostering values of harmony and togetherness.
Last year, the programme covered 180 mosques and attracted over 2,000 children in its first week alone. This year’s expansion is a testament to its popularity with families and its success in building positive connections between children and their places of worship.
Alongside the passport initiative, IACAD also organised the Muezzin Al-Freej competition, giving twenty young winners the chance to raise the call to prayer at Dubai mosques during Ramadan — an experience many will treasure for years to come.
For families across Dubai, the Ramadan passport scheme is more than just an activity: it’s a cherished memory in the making, one joyful stamp at a time.
