22 June 2016
Around seven out of ten expatriate respondents to a survey in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said they spend more on charitable acts during Ramadan.

The survey of 570 expatriates in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman, which was carried out by global money transfer firm Xpress Money, also found 72 percent of UAE respondents said they aim to spend more time with their families during the holy month.

The results found expats also send more money back to their home countries during Ramadan, with 44 percent of respondents increasing their remittance levels during the holy month.

"Ramadan is a month of giving, of reflection and of time spent with family and friends," Ashwin Gedam, vice president of global marketing at Xpress Money, was quoted as saying in a press statement.

"Our survey confirms that expatriates in the UAE are inspired by the month's values irrespective of faith or demographics. Family ranks high on the priority list while acts of charity considerably increase," he added.

© Zawya 2016