Cleaning Out Your Closet? Here Are the Best Places in the UAE to Donate Clothes
Decluttering your wardrobe can feel good but even better when your unwanted clothes go to someone who needs them. If you’re based in the UAE and wondering where to donate old garments, there are several trustworthy charities, thrift initiatives and pick-up services that make it easy. Below are some of the best options.
✅ Charities & Organisations That Accept Clothes
Beit Al Khair Society (“Malabes”)
This is one of the largest and most established charities in the UAE. They collect clothes, shoes, bags and other household items for families in need. Their “Malabes” app allows you to schedule a home-pickup, which is perfect if you have a big box of items and don’t want to deal with drop-offs.
Dar al Ber Society
Based in Dubai with multiple centres around the city, this charity accepts clothing, household items, toys and more. Drop-offs are possible at their branches. A simple donation of clothes there can go a long way.
Emirates Red Crescent
This widely recognised humanitarian organisation accepts second-hand clothes, bedding and other essentials. Their donation boxes and centres across the UAE make it easy for residents to give what they don’t need anymore.
Thrift For Good
If you want to support a sustainable, charitable shop model, Thrift For Good accepts gently used clothes and resells them; 100% of their profits go to charitable projects (especially children-oriented initiatives). It’s a great option if your clothes are in good, wearable condition.
Operation Smile UAE
Especially useful if you’re in Abu Dhabi: Operation Smile runs a textile-recycling programme. They collect clothing (including traditional wear like abayas or kandoras), paired shoes, handbags and other textiles via public bins or their centres. Donations support their charitable projects.
🧰 Pickup Services & Easy Drop-offs
If you don’t have time to drop off items yourself, you can use:
Beit Al Khair’s Malabes app - as mentioned above, it arranges home-pickup for clothing donations.
Charity collection bins scattered across Dubai and Abu Dhabi - often located in residential communities, malls or near mosques. Several organisations and thrift networks use these bins to accept drop-offs.
Furniture / goods-collection services that accept clothes as part of a broader pick-up (especially handy if you’re also decluttering other household items). While these may involve a fee, they offer convenience.
🪡 Tips to Make Donation Easy and Kind
Only donate what’s in wearable condition — clean, gently used clothes are most helpful.
Wash or freshly air items before donating — it shows respect to the recipients and improves the chances clothes will be accepted.
Use bags or boxes and label them (e.g. “Women’s clothes”, “Children’s clothes”, “Shoes”) to make sorting easier on the charity side.
Keep an inventory or photo list — especially useful if you’re donating many items; may help if the charity needs details for pick-up.
Call ahead — some centres may have specific drop-off times or need you to book pick-up, while others prefer walk-ins.
Final Thought
Donating clothes in the UAE is not just a practical way to reduce your clutter it’s a meaningful act of kindness. Whether you choose a well-organised charity with home-pickup or a thrift shop model that supports charitable causes, your unwanted clothes could bring comfort, dignity and warmth to someone else.