Traditional 'Fanous' lanterns are displayed in a market in Cairo, Egypt, 04 March 2024.  People put up decorations and ornaments as part of the celebration of the holy month of Ramadan, which is expected to start in Egypt on 11 March.  Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset.  Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in the Koran was during its last 10 nights.   EPA / KHALED ELFIQI

Today's best photos: From Ramadan preparations to Chanel's ready-to-wear show



More from The National:

Monday's best photos: From Kamala Harris in Selma to Buzkashi in Kyrgyzstan

Sunday's best photos: From Tokyo Marathon runners' headgear to Kylie at the Brit Awards

Saturday's best photos: From teddy bear fashion in Paris to big surf in Puerto Rico

Friday's best photos: From a building fire in Dhaka to Nato exercises

Thursday's best photos: From Popocatepetl spewing ash to release of Arctic foxes

Wednesday's best photos: From the completion of a UK tunnel to a taxi protest in Bucharest

Huroob Ezterari

Director: Ahmed Moussa

Starring: Ahmed El Sakka, Amir Karara, Ghada Adel and Moustafa Mohammed

Three stars

Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital

Essentials

The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes. 
 

Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes. 


In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes. 
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.

The bio

Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district

Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school

Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family

His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people

Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned

Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates

Updated: March 05, 2024, 1:53 PM