Dubai has expanded its popular Ayal Al-Freej Ramadan initiative this year, covering more than 300 mosques across the city. The programme is designed especially for children between the ages of 6 and 12, encouraging them to attend daily Taraweeh prayers throughout the holy month.
What makes this initiative special is how it turns prayer into an engaging experience for young ones. Every child who joins gets a special “passport.” After each prayer they attend, the mosque imam stamps their passport. This simple but fun idea motivates children to keep coming back and collect more stamps as the month goes on.
VISA-FREE UAE ENTRY FOR THESE PAKISTANI PASSPORT HOLDERS
The programme does not stop at prayers only. Organisers have arranged Ramadan-themed ice-cream trucks near the mosques, adding an element of surprise and joy for the children after they complete their prayers. Various cultural activities are also part of the plan, making the whole experience something children look forward to each evening.
Parents are encouraged to dress their children in traditional Emirati clothing. Boys wear kandura and ghutra, while girls wear national dress and hijab. This helps children feel connected to their culture and traditions from a young age.
Another exciting part of Ayal Al-Freej is the Muezzin al Freej competition. Selected children get the honour of raising the call to prayer, or azaan, throughout Ramadan. This gives them a sense of pride and involvement in the mosque’s daily activities.
The main goal of this wide-ranging initiative is to strengthen children’s connection with mosques. By making prayer fun and rewarding, it helps build habits of discipline and regular worship. It also brings families together, as parents accompany their children to the mosque and share these special moments.
The programme has grown bigger this year, reaching more mosques and more children across Dubai. It shows how thoughtful planning can make religious practices enjoyable for young minds while preserving cultural values and traditions.
