"Whoever you are, I have always depended on the kindness of strangers." — Blanche Dubois in 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams
After last week’s devastating explosion, people around the world have been offering help in whatever ways they can in support of our brothers and sisters in Beirut. Fashion brands and artists have united across the globe to use their creative talents to raise funds for those in Beirut, and many other businesses here in the Middle East have committed to donating their time, their expertise, their public platforms, and proceeds to vetted NGOs that are on the ground working in relief efforts as well.
So if you have been meaning to service your air conditioners, eat at a restaurant, buy groceries, or take that spin class, then perhaps now is as good a time as any. And while the price tag may not change for you, one dinner out could very well be a part of helping save another’s life.
Please note: We will continue to update this list as we become aware of more businesses donating to help those affected in Beirut.
Alserkal Avenue
The warehouses of Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz have been teaming up for the last two weeks of August to aid efforts in Lebanon. On August 15th, the Alserkal community together raised over 350,000 AED and packed over 415 boxes to be sent to Beirut. They are still holding a drive for any items that you can donate up through August 29th. You can take your items directly to warehouse 46 from 10AM-7PM to collect your donations. Every dirham and every box will go to the Emirates Red Crescent Lebanon Relief Fund.
Inked
No, it’s not a tattoo parlor. It is a space that allows for the creative expression with food. An ever-changing culinary experience, it is a staple of Alserkal’s artistic community.
Even though Inked has not officially reopened, they will be hosting pop-up dinners for 4 days to help raise funds for Beirut. The culinary experience is priced at AED 450 per person (inclusive of VAT) and includes a five-course dinner menu inspired by Lebanese traditional recipes. A vegetarian menu option will be available when requested in advance during the booking. 100% of the proceeds donated to the Lebanese Red Cross
The dinners will take place from October 6th to the 9th and there will be one seating per evening at 8:30pm sharp. Doors will open at 8pm.
To book a seat at the table, click here.
1Beat Dubai
1Beat, Dubai’s boutique fitness studio specializing in spinning, climbing, and lifting, has been working behind the scenes to register a charity event for our brothers and sisters in Beirut. In the meantime, on Thursday, August 13th, the studio is offering free class credit to anyone who brings in a receipt showing a donation of minimum AED120 to the following NGOs:
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The Healthy Home
The Healthy Home services the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait by providing eco-friendly and chemical-free treatments for the sanitization and sterilization of your air conditioners, mattresses, upholstery, and much more. The Healthy Home has committed 100% of its proceeds booked on Tuesday, August 11th and Wednesday, August 12th (irrespective of the actual date of service) to be donated to authorized NGOs supporting the current crisis in Beirut.
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Bait Maryam
Bait Maryam by Salam Dakkak, a Lebanese restaurant in JLT, is hosting a three-course dinner at 8pm on the 16th of August for AED250 per person. All proceeds raised by this dinner will be donated to the trusted NGO, Beit el Baraka, in Lebanon.
To reserve your seat at the table, please contact Nada & Akkoui on:
+971 50 100 1915
+971 52 635 3332
Alserkal Avenue
Alserkal Avenue has joined forces with its entire artistic community for one giant fundraiser. Go visit Alserkal Avenue this Saturday, August 15th, to support the relief efforts for Beirut. The Alserkal community will be donating all proceeds, and Alserkal will match everything the community raises that day.
The A4 Space will have a collection point for any spare change and you can also drop off urgently-needed items in Warehouse 46 such as:
- Dry and canned goods
- First-aid kits, plasters, bandages
- Gloves, masks, anti-septics, and creams
- Brooms and brushes
- Toys
- Cleansing wipes
- Hygiene products, diapers, and toilet paper
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Barry's United Arab Emirates
Barry’s United Arab Emirates, self-proclaimed “best workout in the world” and located in Dubai Marina and DIFC, have announced that all proceeds from any classes taken on August 14th and 15th will be donated to the Emirates Red Crescent, in support of the Lebanese Red Cross.
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Publique Dubai
Publique is hosting a four-course dinner at its location in the Souk Madinat Jumeirah on Wednesday, August 19th at 7pm, priced at AED385 per person. The meal is inspired by Lebanese cuisine and combines the culinary talents of Chefs Rita Soueidan, Bethany Kehdy, Ruby Chaer, Mohamad Orfali, and Greg Malouf. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Lebanese Red Cross.
To make a booking, call 04 430 8550 or email info@publique.ae.
Radio Alhara
Radio Alhara in Palestine has committed to sending 100% of the proceeds from the sales of its Fil Mishmish T-shirts to the Lebanese Red Cross. You can purchase your own T-shirt here.
Kibsons
Dubai has many luxuries, but one of the most practical luxuries is having high-quality, fresh produce and groceries delivered straight to your door on the same day. Kibsons has announced that it will be donating 5% of all of its home delivery sales between Tuesday, August 12th and Friday, August 14th to the Lebanese Red Cross. Happy shopping.
Homegrown Market
Homegrown Market is a concept store in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that supports Middle Eastern brands and creative talent in fashion, beauty, home, and food. 100% of proceeds sold through Thursday, August 13th in stores or online from the following brands will be donated to charities supporting those in Beirut:
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Mindful Me
Mindful Me is a mental health clinic in Dubai offering 30-minute sessions free of charge during the month of August for those affected by the explosions in Beirut.
“For all affected by the trauma, for those feeling the frustration of helplessness, hopelessness, loss, grief and despair, for those needing a warm, trusted, and confidential space, please know our willingness to be beside you in this time, offering the safe and supportive care we are well known for.”
Please contact Alfie at +9710544668400 to book a confidential appointment.
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Whispers of Serenity Clinic
Whispers of Serenity Clinic, a mental health clinic based in Oman that takes a holistic approach to mental and physical well-being, is offering its services for free for anyone in Lebanon, as well as Lebanese nationals based abroad, who have been affected by the recent explosion. You can contact the clinic directly by sending a message via Whatsapp to +96899359779, typing ‘LBN (space) [your name]’.
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What Georgie Craves
Dubai-based home cook, Georgie Bradley, is cooking up a storm of brownies for Beirut. Anytime you order her Tahini Brownies through August 22nd, 100% of the proceeds go towards the Lebanese Red Cross.
To order some brownies for Beirut, send a DM via her Instagram page, @whatgeorgiecraves.
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Savoir Flair
We here at Savoir Flair have launched a program to help the cause as well. Not only are we committed to keeping our readers up-to-date and informed of tangible, actionable ways that they can partner with trusted NGOs here and abroad, but our Founding Publisher and Editor-in-Chief has mandated that all of our unsold advertising be given away for free to any Lebanese designers who have been affected by this tragic event. Hopefully this initiative will help to raise awareness about the brands of these incredibly talented creatives and ease the burden of marketing as they struggle to rebuild.
If you are interested, please send an email to advertise@savoirflair.com.
