• First Friday prayers of Ramadan at Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
    First Friday prayers of Ramadan at Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
  • Ramadan is believed to be the month the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed
    Ramadan is believed to be the month the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed
  • The mosque is named after Umar bin Al Khattab, a companion of the Prophet Mohammed
    The mosque is named after Umar bin Al Khattab, a companion of the Prophet Mohammed
  • Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque can accommodate 2,000 worshippers
    Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque can accommodate 2,000 worshippers
  • This year, Muslims in the UAE began the holy month by fasting for about 13 hours and 52 minutes
    This year, Muslims in the UAE began the holy month by fasting for about 13 hours and 52 minutes
  • About 1.9 billion Muslims around the world mark Ramadan with fasting and special prayers
    About 1.9 billion Muslims around the world mark Ramadan with fasting and special prayers
  • First Friday prayers of Ramadan at Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai
    First Friday prayers of Ramadan at Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai

UAE worshippers perform first Friday prayers of Ramadan


  • English
  • Arabic

Thousands of UAE worshippers have taken part in the first Friday prayers of Ramadan.

Friday prayers are considered the most important of the week by Muslims, and take on even greater significance for many during the holy month.

Ramadan is a time when Muslims strengthen their faith through prayer and increased recitation of the Quran.

Large crowds gathered at mosques all over the Emirates on Friday, including at Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai.

Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic – or Hijri – lunar calendar. The holy month began in the UAE on Monday.

Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset every day of the month, which typically lasts 29 or 30 days depending on the moon phase.

Muslims are encouraged to use the month to reflect on their faith, share time with friends and family and take part in acts of charity and generosity to others.

President Sheikh Mohamed last week delivered his best wishes to all observing Ramadan.

“With the start of Ramadan, I extend my best wishes to all those observing the holy month,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X on Sunday.

“May this period of reflection and prayer bring us closer together and strengthen our bonds of unity and compassion. I wish you a blessed Ramadan filled with peace, harmony and spiritual growth.”

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How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE

When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.

Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
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Updated: March 15, 2024, 11:45 AM