The SL Directory: 12 Community Initiatives To Support Now

In response to the current climate, Moonrise is temporarily pausing its usual operations to focus on community-driven initiatives. In its place comes Moonrise & Friends – a new collaborative series bringing together local concepts to create one-off dining experiences. The first edition, in partnership with CarniStore, runs from 17–31 March (5PM until late), with limited seating and a rotating line-up of future collaborations to follow. Bookings are required via WhatsApp on +971 50 697 2946

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Built on a foundation of mindfulness and movement, Alo Yoga is extending its community-first approach with a series of complimentary virtual sessions designed to help individuals pause, reset and reconnect. Upcoming classes include yin yoga (25th March, 8pm GST), stretch & balance (28th March, 11am GST) and sound healing & meditation (29 March, 9pm GST).

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A homegrown, family-run burger concept that began as a supper club, Eleven Green has built a loyal following for its hand-pressed patties, daily-ground beef and intentionally limited menu. Rooted in community and connection, the team is now giving back – offering complimentary meals to Hala taxi drivers who bring guests to the restaurant, in recognition of those who keep the city moving.

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A homegrown lifestyle brand, LC is championing small businesses by creating space where it matters. Through a dedicated in-store initiative, the brand is offering three emerging labels the opportunity to retail their products within its Dubai Hills location, spotlighting local talent and fostering a stronger sense of community.

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Known for its refined take on Lebanese cuisine, Em Sherif has long championed heritage, generosity and community. In response to the ongoing crisis in Lebanon, the restaurant is distributing 10,452 meals across the country – a number that symbolically reflects Lebanon’s total land area in square kilometres – offering both nourishment and a message of unity to those affected by war and displacement.

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A concept store championing craftsmanship and curated design, Attaché is using its platform to support a greater cause. In place of a traditional Mother’s Day campaign, the brand is donating proceeds from its latest collection to support women in Lebanon, making meaningful contributions during an ongoing crisis.

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Founded as a platform rooted in community and feel-good fashion, Endless is bringing its ethos to life with a new space in Al Quoz. Designed as a safe, uplifting environment, the community store brings together local businesses and experiences – from wellness sessions to small treats – all with the aim of supporting women and championing homegrown brands during a challenging time.

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A performance-driven wearable brand focused on health and recovery, WHOOP is supporting its GCC community with added flexibility during this time. Members whose subscriptions are due to renew within 30 days are being offered a complimentary one-month extension, giving users continued access to their data and routines without added pressure.

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Dubai’s independent arthouse cinema, Cinema Akil continues to champion community through film and shared experiences. Alongside its daytime ‘Here, Together’ screenings, the cinema has introduced ‘pay what you can’ seats, offering an open invitation to anyone seeking connection, a moment of pause or simply a place to be.

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A homegrown UAE burger brand with a loyal following, Pickl is using its platform to spotlight and support fellow small businesses. By inviting the community to nominate local brands on their Instagram page, the team is giving back in a simple but meaningful way – treating selected businesses to meals while encouraging others to shop local and support homegrown.

Follow @PICKL.MENA

A key player in the region’s delivery landscape, Talabat is supporting the UAE’s F&B community with a new initiative aimed at homegrown brands. The platform is offering 100 locally founded restaurants access to cloud kitchen spaces at zero rental cost until September 2026, helping to ease operational pressures and support growth. Designed to remove one of the industry’s biggest barriers, the programme gives eligible businesses the opportunity to scale while continuing to strengthen the UAE’s wider food ecosystem.

Visit this link to register

 A curated lifestyle destination known for its edit of elevated essentials, The Edit places community at its core. As part of this, the space is offering a small moment of pause, with complimentary matcha for all walk-ins on 28–29 March, while supplies last, encouraging visitors to slow down and reconnect.  

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