Muslims in the UAE are being urged to help sight the crescent moon on Thursday evening to mark the end of Ramadan and usher in Eid Al Fitr.
The country's Moon-sighting committee – made up of a group of astronomers, court officials and advisers – issued a call to the public to look for the crescent moon of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
Thursday is the 29th day of Ramadan. The holy month lasts for either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the crescent moon is spotted, because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle.
If the Moon is sighted on Thursday, Ramadan will be 29 days and Eid will begin on Friday.
If it is not spotted, the holy month will extend to 30 days, with Eid getting under way on Saturday.
The Moon-sighting committee asked Muslims who see the crescent to call 02 692 1166 to register their sighting.
The paid public holiday for Eid for the public and private sector has already been announced.
Workers will begin their break on Thursday, regardless of whether Eid begins on Friday or Saturday.
Employees will enjoy a four-day holiday, returning to work on Monday, if Eid begins on Friday.
They will return to work on Tuesday if Eid starts on Saturday.
The first day of Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on Friday, April 21, the Emirates Astronomical Society said previously.
“Most likely, Ramadan this year will be for 29 days. Eid Al Fitr and the first of Shawwal will be on Friday, April 21,” Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the society's board of directors, told The National.
What is Eid Al Fitr?
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of the month-long fast for Muslims.
It is a celebratory occasion marked by morning prayers, family get-togethers, the giving of gifts to loved ones and charitable donations.
Many people also take advantage of the extended break from work to travel abroad or take short trips in the region.
It is also an opportunity to buy new clothes to usher in the religious holiday.
Recent Eid activities were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, with more muted celebrations taking place.
Travel and safety restrictions caused by the spread of the virus have been lifted around the world, adding an extra sense of joy and anticipation to the coming break.
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Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
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THE SIXTH SENSE
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What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
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