Talabat Rider Strengthens Stray Cat Rescue Network in Al Quoz, Dubai
Kaleem Gul, a Talabat delivery rider, has carved out a unique dual role in Dubai. By day, he navigates the city delivering food; by night, he dedicates himself to caring for over 70 stray cats in the Al Quoz Industrial Area. This commitment has transformed him into a vital figure for these animals, who depend on him for sustenance, medical care, and urgent assistance.
Gul’s responsibilities extend beyond mere feeding. He actively engages with local WhatsApp groups to seek help for cats facing injuries or health issues, ensuring that no feline is left unattended in times of crisis.
From Quiet Concern to a Growing Rescue Network
Since arriving in Dubai in 2018, Gul has witnessed a troubling increase in the number of abandoned cats. He observed them wandering between warehouses and construction sites, struggling to survive. Initially hesitant, he began to document his experiences and reached out to animal rescue volunteers across the UAE for support.
To formalize his efforts, Gul established a Facebook group named “Feeding Stray Cats,” aimed at soliciting food donations. This initiative has fostered a small yet reliable support system for the cats in his care. He noted, “I created a Facebook group so people could donate food,” which has become a crucial resource for feeding the growing population of strays.
Volunteers Support Stray Cat Care Through TNR and Coordination Efforts
The network of support has been bolstered by Amal CSR, a DED-registered platform that connects corporate social responsibility initiatives with causes like animal welfare. This collaboration facilitates food donations and, when possible, medical care, often funded by volunteers themselves.
Sylvia Chandel, an experienced animal rescuer, recalls her initial encounters with Gul’s messages in various volunteer groups. She, along with fellow volunteers, responds to his updates about the cats, coordinating food deliveries and veterinary visits as needed. Chandel describes Al Quoz as home to a complex ecosystem of stray cats, emphasizing the importance of intervention through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs. TNR is recognized as the most humane method for managing stray populations, allowing cats to remain in their environment while preventing uncontrolled breeding.
Another Volunteer Quietly Caring for Strays in Al Quoz
Gul is not alone in his efforts. In another section of Al Quoz, Fatima Younesi, a housewife, dedicates her evenings to feeding and caring for stray cats. After completing her household chores, she takes to the streets around 6 PM, often working until the early hours of the morning. According to Gul, she has identified over 100 stray cats in her area.
Younesi has been involved in this work for years, noting the frequent abandonment of cats left behind without warning. Like Gul, she relies on volunteer networks to seek medical assistance and coordinate TNR efforts whenever possible.
The collaboration with Amal CSR continues to enhance the support network for these volunteers. This platform not only coordinates food donations but also facilitates medical care for the cats, often at the expense of the volunteers.
For more information on the ongoing efforts to support stray cats in Dubai, visit timesofdubai.ae.
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Published on 2026-04-23 22:38:00 • By the Editorial Desk
