Is it permissible to give zakat to family members in Algeria while residing in the UAE, in the form of buying gifts for them with part of the zakat money and giving them the remainder in cash, with the intention that it is a gift while concealing the intention of zakat from them?

The basic principle is to give zakat (definition) from the same type of wealth on which it is due, and its value should not be paid, unless there is a benefit for the poor in doing so. This does not apply to the questioner's situation. Therefore, she must pay her zakat in kind to those in need, and it is not obligatory to inform the poor person that what is given is zakat. As for gifts to family and neighbors, they are among the noble virtues and are rewarded, but they are not obligatory. A Muslim must attend to zakat and pay it correctly. Zakat should not be given to parents because their maintenance is obligatory upon the son.