Muslims want UK companies to do more to raise awareness of Ramadan

Uber Eats supports fasting delivery drivers by launching “Sundown Spots” to offer free Iftar meals after sunset during the holy month

More than nine in ten (93%) Muslims would like to see more initiatives from UK companies to raise awareness of Ramadan and its practices.

A study of 500 Muslims found that while nearly half (48%) believe their employers take some action to support the community during Ramadan, more could be done in the workplace.

More flexibility (56%), earlier hours to finish (55%), and frequent breaks throughout the day (41%) were among the top things these workers wished for during the month.

Later start times and working from home are also part of the workplace preferences.

In response to these findings, Uber Eats launched its Sundown Spots initiative – a series of pop-up restaurants offering free iftar meals after the sun goes down to support the delivery drivers and couriers who work during Ramadan.

BAFTA-nominated TV chef Zuhair Hassan — known to many as Big Zuu — who works with Uber Eats, said: “For me, Ramadan is a time to reset and reflect.

“Iftar is my favorite part of Ramadan. It feels like a climax – you take a step back, realizing where you are now and where you need to go.

“That’s why I’m excited to be collaborating with Uber Eats on an initiative that celebrates the importance of this moment.

“It’s so important for Muslims to be represented in modern Britain and feel seen and heard, not least during the holiest month on 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 eat most – except pork, of course. Sometimes I cook, but often I treat myself to a meal or takeout.

“And when it comes time to celebrate Eid, for me it’s also about the 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 meal delivery services with halal options like Uber Eats are really key to making iftar possible for many fasters.”

The study also found that half of Muslim workers (48%) felt encouragingly that their colleagues had an adequate understanding of what Ramadan is and what it means.

And nearly two-thirds (64%) of those surveyed via OnePoll said their employer encourages open, honest conversations with their colleagues about their religion and practices.

Matthew Price, General Manager of Uber Eats UK & Ireland, said: “Our Sundown Spots were created to make it easier for the many food delivery drivers and couriers who observe Ramadan to break into the fast – and to recognize how tough they are work to keep it the nation fed from sunrise to sunset during the fast.

“We are proud to show our support for this initiative and we look forward to building on that next year – and reaching even more people who continue to Bring It during Ramadan.”

Ramadan is a month of giving. As a result, for every halal meal ordered from Uber Eats during the holy month, the meal ordering platform will donate one halal meal to its food rescue partner City Harvest.

City Harvest works with several local Muslim charities and food banks to ensure as many people as possible are well fed during Ramadan and beyond.