What stands out is how immediate and practical these responses are. Rather than long-term campaigns or polished CSR messaging, these are actions built around urgency, accessibility and a clear understanding of what people actually need right now.
TreatOnUs
TreatOnUs, a new platform founded by entrepreneur Alexander Sysoev, allows residents to directly support local restaurants in a simple, tangible way by inviting the public to directly support local restaurants by purchasing meals and drinks in advance, which are then offered by participating venues to guests and those in need.
Designed as a city-wide initiative, TreatOnUs gives restaurants an instant source of support while also creating a ripple effect within the community. All payments are made directly to each venue via its own payment link. Participating venues select a few items that can be purchased in advance by anyone. These are then offered as thoughtful gestures to guests, at the discretion of the venue.
Since its launch, a number of well-known names have already come on board, including Bait Maryam, Chez Wam, and Jun’s, alongside neighbourhood favourites like Paus Clubhouse, Chaikhana, and Sakhakin. Within the first 24 hours alone, the platform recorded 182 purchases, an early indication of how quickly the community has engaged with the idea.
Querida Dubai
Querida DXB, a Mexican restaurant based in Al Barsha, is offering residents a place to rest, work or simply unwind with free WIFI and TV.
Itma’en Hotline Offers Free Mental Health Support
Beyond physical support, initiatives are also addressing the emotional impact of the moment. Dubai Health, in collaboration with the Community Development Authority and Dubai Health Authority, has launched Itma’en, a free mental wellbeing service designed to offer immediate, accessible support to residents.
At the centre of the initiative is a dedicated hotline, 800506, where individuals can speak directly with trained specialists in a confidential setting. The service runs daily from 9am to midnight and is open to citizens, residents and visitors, offering guidance, reassurance and practical coping support for those feeling overwhelmed.
The initiative also extends beyond the hotline, with authorities encouraging qualified professionals to volunteer their time, further strengthening the support system available to the wider community.
Fazaa Offers Free Discount Cards to UAE Families
Fazaa, in collaboration with the Ministry of Family, has rolled out free Fazaa discount memberships for resident families across the UAE, giving households access to a wide network of benefits. The programme, introduced as part of the Year of the Family 2026, allows eligible families to access discounts across more than 34,000 retail outlets, along with savings on food, travel, accommodation and entertainment through the Fazaa platform.
Open to families with at least one child and valid for the rest of the year, the initiative is designed to ease day-to-day expenses while encouraging residents to stay engaged with local businesses and services.
