Integration of technology in infrastructure during the pandemic proved to be a life saver for residents of the Emirates, and the country has since continued its use of digital tools for the betterment of society. The past few months have seen the Emirati regime launch initiatives like a virtual school for covid-hit students among others.

To mark the beginning of Ramadan, Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed also rolled out a programme which rewards people for good behaviour, through benefits in public services. Carrying the spirit of giving back to society into the online realm, Dubai's authorities have upgraded the DubaiNow app with a Zakat feature.

Created in collaboration with UAE Zakat foundation, the online charity mechanism can calculate the percentage of zakat from a person's wealth in accordance with Islam. It will be a part of the Donations and Islam section on the DubaiNow app, which also facilitates donation of Iftar meals, in addition to charity at the end of Ramadan.

Zakat is a one of the five pillars of Islam, and it requires people to set aside a part of their income for those in need, on a regular basis. By integrating the age old tradition with the new normal, the DubaiNow app lets people carry out their duty towards society in a contactless manner.

The new addition is part of 130 services offered by the government under the Smart Dubai push, and also adheres to the aim of offering all public services in a paperless manner. Other similar government campaigns include distribution of 100 million meals on a global scale through donations from residents and entities across the Emirates.

Among UAE's neighbours in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia has also launched its own online zakat platform Ehsan. The digital charity initiative managed to raise more than $69 million in just 24 hours after it was launched.

The kingdom's people can also use Ehsan to donate for furnishing houses of the needy, helping out with dialysis, providing care for the elderly and distributing food baskets.