Uber Eats is launching a range of restaurant takeovers today to offer free meals to delivery drivers and couriers who are fasting during Ramadan.
The "Sundown Spots" will open for the iftar meal at The Muslim Heritage Centre amid research commissioned by Uber Eats which reveals that almost half of Muslims believe workplaces should take some measures to support the Muslim community during Ramadan and more could be done to support them. The findings also revealed that 92 per cent of those surveyed believe more initiatives should be in place in the UK to raise awareness of Ramadan.
The holy month of Ramadan is one of the most important periods in the year for Muslims all over the world and is observed by abstaining from food, drink and many other things from sunrise to sunset for 30 days. The string of pop-up restaurants offering free iftar meals after sundown will be running in Manchester this evening (April 26) and will also provide free delivery service for the wider community.
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Uber Eats' initiative is being supported by BAFTA-nominated Muslim Tv chef Zuhair Hassan - also known as Big Zuu - and has developed a signature dish with the resident chefs at Ayam Zaman to create 'Big Zuu's Big Grill' while also being on deck to serve meals and greet diners.
“For me, Ramadan is a time to reset and reflect," Big Zuu said. Iftar is my favourite part of Ramadan, it feels like a pinnacle moment…you take a step back, realise where you are now, and where you’re meant to be heading…so I’m pleased to be partnering with Uber Eats on an initiative that is celebrating the significance of this moment.
"It’s so important that Muslims are represented and feel seen and heard in modern Britain, not least during the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar, so it’s great to be able to highlight the fantastic food our culture has to offer. When it comes to opening fast, I’ll eat most things (apart from pork, of course!), sometimes I’ll cook but often I’ll treat myself to a meal out or takeaway, and when it’s time to celebrate Eid, for me that’s also centred around food - a nice dinner, surrounded by my closest friends or family.
"It’s important to remember that some people don’t always have family to cook for them, so food delivery services with Halal options like Uber Eats are really key to facilitating iftar for many fasters.”
Matthew Price, General Manager Uber Eats UK & Ireland, said: “Our Sundown Spots have been created to help facilitate opening fast for the many food delivery drivers and couriers observing Ramadan - and to recognise everything they are doing to keep the nation fed whilst fasting from dawn to sunset.
"We’re proud to be able to show our support with this initiative and it’s our ambition to build on it next year - and reach even more people who continue to ‘Bring It’ throughout Ramadan.”
Because Ramadan is also a month that emphasises charity, Uber Eats will donate a halal meal to its food distribution charity partner, City Harvest, which works with a variety of local Muslim charities and food banks to keep people nourished during Ramadan and the rest of the year.
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