People stock up for Ramadan at the Lulu hypermarket in Silicon Oasis in Dubai. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
People stock up for Ramadan at the Lulu hypermarket in Silicon Oasis in Dubai. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
Hasmik Petrosyan fills up her basket with all the right ingredients for iftar.
Hasmik Petrosyan fills up her basket with all the right ingredients for iftar.
Eric Dury buying muesli, bananas and milk for suhoor.
Eric Dury buying muesli, bananas and milk for suhoor.
Shoppers make last-minute purchases for Ramadan.
Shoppers make last-minute purchases for Ramadan.
Naseeba Jefeer's children help her buy the right food for Ramadan.
Naseeba Jefeer's children help her buy the right food for Ramadan.
Hasnaa Nofal with her daughter Janna Osama shopping for Ramadan.
Hasnaa Nofal with her daughter Janna Osama shopping for Ramadan.
Omar Obeidat fills his trolley.
Omar Obeidat fills his trolley.
Bottles of Vimto are a perennial favourite for Ramadan food shoppers.
Bottles of Vimto are a perennial favourite for Ramadan food shoppers.

Business

Money

Ramadan 2022: how to save on your supermarket bills

Customers should prepare a budget, make a shopping list, compare deals, buy in bulk and use promo codes for online discounts

Deepthi Nair
Deepthi Nair

April 07, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Grocery expenses typically make up the largest part of Ramadan shopping for households.

Families tend to go overboard when buying goods for iftars, suhoors and Eid Al Fitr, leaving a dent in their monthly budgets.

With inflation soaring globally on the back of rising energy and food prices, as well as supply chain disruptions, people in the UAE can adjust for costs incurred during the holy month with a few financial hacks.

Seventy-three per cent of consumers in the UAE plan to purchase their largest quantity of groceries during Ramadan, a March survey conducted by AdColony with research company GlobalWebIndex in the Emirates found.

About 45 per cent of consumers will visit stores for their Ramadan grocery shopping this year, while 46 per cent will shop online and use home delivery, the poll showed.

Bulk buy your rice, lentils, olives and yogurts. Include extra boxes of dates and other gifts for when you visit families during Ramadan,
Rasheda Khatun Khan,
a wealth and wellness expert

Grocery and fashion will have the most significant rise in spending in the Middle East and North Africa region during Ramadan this year, with 87 per cent and 70 per cent of consumers planning to increase their outlay in these categories, respectively, said a March report by RedSeer Consulting.

Financial experts advise consumers to prepare a budget for their Ramadan shopping to give them an idea of how much they will spend during the holy month. Shoppers are also urged to stick to their budget as much as possible.

“Try to do your shopping in one go. This will avoid extra trips to the supermarket where there is opportunity to spend more,” says Rasheda Khatun Khan, a wealth and wellness expert and founder of Design Your Life.

“You will also avoid the chaos of extra busy supermarkets during Ramadan. If you need fresh produce that can’t be bought to last the month, then decide on which date you will do the rest of the shopping.”

Consumers are advised to also make a shopping list that covers the whole month to avoid impulse buys.

Bulk-buy your rice, lentils, olives and yoghurts, Ms Khan says. Include extra boxes of dates and other gifts for when you visit families during Ramadan, she adds.

Shoppers can compare the multiple Ramadan offers available across supermarkets and choose the best ones, Ms Khan says.

UAE residents can also rely on Facebook groups that compile the best available supermarket deals.

Dirham Stretcher is one such group that prepares curated lists of discount codes and deals. For Ramadan, the group will publish its updated groceries “cheat sheet”, which is a list of supermarkets that covers the product categories they sell, delivery fees, whether online purchases are available and if there are any additional discounts available.

“This grocery shopping cheat sheet is available on www.sum.ae and we will also send out a newsletter with the best grocery deals,” says Susan Syrek, administrator of Dirham Stretcher, which has about 80,000 members in the UAE.

The group negotiates with stores and online supermarkets to offer followers extra discounts.

“Make a meal plan and buy only what you need, don’t buy anything you see just because it’s cheap,” says Selma Abdelhamid, another administrator of Dirham Stretcher.

Compare prices online as websites are generally cheaper than supermarkets and get an additional discount by using a code
Selma Abdelhamid,
administrator of Dirham Stretcher

“Know where to buy or order from. Take advantage of bundle offers. Compare prices online as websites are generally cheaper than supermarkets and get an additional discount by using a code.”

Big supermarket retailers and online grocery platforms run month-long promotions, discounts and deals during the holy month.

Lulu is offering discounts ranging from 30 per cent to 50 per cent on more than 15,000 products in categories such as fresh food, grocery, home appliances and electronics. Ramadan promotions are available both in-store and on Lulu’s online platforms.

“During Ramadan, we usually see a surge in sales of food, grocery and home appliances in the initial days, followed by lifestyle, fashion and gifting as we near the Eid holidays,” says V. Nandakumar, Lulu Group director of marketing and communications.

The retailer has also launched “Ramadan Kits” with essential grocery products at discounted prices. Consisting of products such rice, sugar, milk powder, grains, oil, coffee and tea, the kits come in two sizes for Dh99 and Dh149.

One of the best tips to save money is to check the promotion booklets and Lulu’s social media platforms regularly to find the latest offers and deals, Mr Nandakumar says.

The Mall of the Emirates in Dubai is decked with decorations for Ramadan. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
The Mall of the Emirates in Dubai is decked with decorations for Ramadan. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
Ramadan in the UAE starts today, Saturday.
Ramadan in the UAE starts today, Saturday.
Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar.
Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar.
Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset every day of the month.
Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset every day of the month.
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Respect and sensitivity for the religious customs associated with Ramadan are expected throughout the holy month.
Respect and sensitivity for the religious customs associated with Ramadan are expected throughout the holy month.
In most emirates, eating and drinking in public places — including cars — during Ramadan is prohibited.
In most emirates, eating and drinking in public places — including cars — during Ramadan is prohibited.
Malls remain open, so people can have access to supermarkets, shops, restaurants and cafes.
Malls remain open, so people can have access to supermarkets, shops, restaurants and cafes.

“It is a good habit to buy required quantities when it comes to fresh and perishable produce, while stocking upon non-perishable products when there is a deal,” he says.

Meanwhile, Carrefour will introduce new deals each week during the holy month and offer discounts of up to 50 per cent on more than 10,000 products including fresh and frozen food, beverages, kitchenware, home appliances and electronics.

With customers buying groceries in larger volumes than usual during Ramadan, Carrefour introduced bulk offers on essentials such as flour, butter and rice to help shoppers cut costs.

Making a shopping list can help customers stick to their budgets as well as reduce food wastage, says Christophe Orcet, head of commercial and operations of Carrefour UAE at Majid Al Futtaim Retail.

“To shop more sustainably, we recommend choosing locally sourced or UAE-origin products — which incur no import costs or food miles and hence benefit customers’ wallets as much as the environment,” he adds.

The retailer advises customers to follow its online and social channels to remain up-to-date on daily discounts.

Customers can also save money by using Share, Majid Al Futtaim’s loyalty programme, says Mr Orcet. They earn double the points when purchasing from Carrefour during the holy month. These points can be used throughout Ramadan or saved for future purchases, he adds.

Online shopping has surged after the Covid-19 pandemic, which permanently changed consumer habits.

A Visa survey in November 2021 found that more than six in 10 consumers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are now shopping online more compared with pre-pandemic levels.

Earlier research by Network International revealed that UAE shoppers spent 40 per cent more per visit on supermarket websites than in-store during 2020.

Online marketplaces such as Instashop, Kibsons, elGrocer and Talabat account for a large slice of grocery sales in the UAE.

During Ramadan, we usually see a surge in sales of food, grocery and home appliances in the initial days, followed by lifestyle, fashion and gifting as we near the Eid holidays
V. Nandakumar,
LuLu Group director of marketing and communications

Kibsons is offering a 20 per cent promotion for customers from March 26 until April 9, as well as from April 23 until April 29 in celebration of Eid.

“Even with less Covid-19 restrictions, people have realised the ease and convenience of online shopping,” says Dusty Tourani, procurement manager at Kibsons.

“Consumers should not always go for the lowest-priced items. This may be an excellent opportunity for customers to explore alternatives from different origins at a fair price point.”

Meanwhile, Dubai-based grocery platform elGrocer, which was last year acquired by e&, formerly known as the Etisalat Group, will offer a Dh50 discount on purchases above Dh250 during the holy month. It lists offers from its 500+ hypermarket, supermarket and speciality partner shops.

Customers can use CODE RAMADAN50 at check-out to redeem the instant discount, says Nader Amiri, founder and chief operating officer of elGrocer. Each user is allowed up to six redemptions until Eid.

elGrocer will also offer weekly promo codes when purchasing from participating brands across home care, food, personal care and beverages, among others.

Shoppers flock to a textile market in the north Indian city of Srinagar days before Eid Al Fitr, the festival that ends the month of fasting. AFP
Shoppers flock to a textile market in the north Indian city of Srinagar days before Eid Al Fitr, the festival that ends the month of fasting. AFP
An iftar gathering at Sunahri Mosque in the northern Pakistani city of Peshawar. AP
An iftar gathering at Sunahri Mosque in the northern Pakistani city of Peshawar. AP
A young worshipper waits to break his day-long fast in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad. AP
A young worshipper waits to break his day-long fast in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad. AP
Afghans line up to receive ration aid donated by the Chinese government during Ramadan, in Kabul, Afghanistan. EPA
Afghans line up to receive ration aid donated by the Chinese government during Ramadan, in Kabul, Afghanistan. EPA
Children play at the Sarkhej Roza complex in Ahmedabad, India, during Ramadan. AFP
Children play at the Sarkhej Roza complex in Ahmedabad, India, during Ramadan. AFP
A family takes a selfie as they wait to board a free bus, sponsored by Indonesia's Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises, to their home village in Central Java. AP
A family takes a selfie as they wait to board a free bus, sponsored by Indonesia's Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises, to their home village in Central Java. AP
Muslim protesters gather to eat iftar in front of the president's secretariat in Colombo, Sri Lanka. EPA
Muslim protesters gather to eat iftar in front of the president's secretariat in Colombo, Sri Lanka. EPA
The Jama Masjid mosque in Allahabad. AFP
The Jama Masjid mosque in Allahabad. AFP
People head to the railway station in Dhaka to buy train tickets ahead of Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. AFP
People head to the railway station in Dhaka to buy train tickets ahead of Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. AFP
People shop ahead of Eid Al Fitr in Karachi, Pakistan. EPA
People shop ahead of Eid Al Fitr in Karachi, Pakistan. EPA
A man prays on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar. Reuters
A man prays on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar. Reuters
Bangladeshi Muslim students read the Quran in Dhaka, Bangladesh. EPA
Bangladeshi Muslim students read the Quran in Dhaka, Bangladesh. EPA
Reading the Quran during Ramadan is considered a rewarding act by Muslims, such as this man at a mosque in Pakistan's northern city of Peshawar. EPA
Reading the Quran during Ramadan is considered a rewarding act by Muslims, such as this man at a mosque in Pakistan's northern city of Peshawar. EPA
Egyptian confectioner Mostafa Anwar makes a traditional oriental dessert called 'Kunafa' in Cairo. AFP
Egyptian confectioner Mostafa Anwar makes a traditional oriental dessert called 'Kunafa' in Cairo. AFP
The faithful break their fast during Ramadan in Colombo, Sri Lanka. AFP
The faithful break their fast during Ramadan in Colombo, Sri Lanka. AFP
Muslims break their Ramadan fast at an open iftar outside the Royal Albert Hall in London. Reuters
Muslims break their Ramadan fast at an open iftar outside the Royal Albert Hall in London. Reuters
Iftar spread is laid out at Jama Masjid in the old quarters of New Delhi, India. EPA
Iftar spread is laid out at Jama Masjid in the old quarters of New Delhi, India. EPA
A young worshipper at Jama Masjid in the old quarters of New Delhi, India. AFP
A young worshipper at Jama Masjid in the old quarters of New Delhi, India. AFP
Orphans read copies of the Quran at the Majamma Nuruljinan in Pattani, southern Thailand. AFP
Orphans read copies of the Quran at the Majamma Nuruljinan in Pattani, southern Thailand. AFP
A volunteer prepares iftar food at a shrine in Dhaka, Bangladesh. AFP
A volunteer prepares iftar food at a shrine in Dhaka, Bangladesh. AFP
Muslims break their fast at the Shah-E-Alam shrine in Ahmedabad, India. AFP
Muslims break their fast at the Shah-E-Alam shrine in Ahmedabad, India. AFP
A worker in Lahore, Pakistan, dries vermicelli used to make a traditional sweet dish popular during Ramadan. EPA
A worker in Lahore, Pakistan, dries vermicelli used to make a traditional sweet dish popular during Ramadan. EPA
Lorry drivers pray before breaking their fast in Lahore, Pakistan. AP
Lorry drivers pray before breaking their fast in Lahore, Pakistan. AP
Women offer prayers during the first Friday of Ramadan at the historic Badshahi mosque, in Lahore, Pakistan. AP
Women offer prayers during the first Friday of Ramadan at the historic Badshahi mosque, in Lahore, Pakistan. AP
Men attend the first Friday prayers of Ramadan at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. EPA
Men attend the first Friday prayers of Ramadan at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. EPA
A man prepares food for devotees to end their fast at the Jama-e-Masjid Aiwan in Hyderabad, India. AFP
A man prepares food for devotees to end their fast at the Jama-e-Masjid Aiwan in Hyderabad, India. AFP
Muslims leave after offering first Friday prayers at the Badshahi mosque. AP
Muslims leave after offering first Friday prayers at the Badshahi mosque. AP
Muslim girls read the Quran before the start of the Friday prayers at the Jamia mosque in Nairobi, Kenya. Reuters
Muslim girls read the Quran before the start of the Friday prayers at the Jamia mosque in Nairobi, Kenya. Reuters
A man looks through a sunshade tent erected for worshippers in the compound of Jama Masjid in New Delhi, India. AP
A man looks through a sunshade tent erected for worshippers in the compound of Jama Masjid in New Delhi, India. AP
People attend the first Friday prayers of Ramadan in Peshawar, Pakistan. EPA
People attend the first Friday prayers of Ramadan in Peshawar, Pakistan. EPA
Bangladeshi Muslims visit the mosque after attending Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramadan at a Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka, Bangladesh. EPA
Bangladeshi Muslims visit the mosque after attending Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramadan at a Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka, Bangladesh. EPA
Workers fry sweets at a traditional confectionery shop in the Afghan capital Kabul. AFP
Workers fry sweets at a traditional confectionery shop in the Afghan capital Kabul. AFP
A young girl enjoys a great view of evening prayer at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. AP
A young girl enjoys a great view of evening prayer at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. AP
A Muslim shopkeeper selling hijabs waits to have his iftar meal during the holy month in a street market in Mumbai. Reuters
A Muslim shopkeeper selling hijabs waits to have his iftar meal during the holy month in a street market in Mumbai. Reuters
Blind Muslims read the Quran in braille in Medan, Indonesia, during the holy month. AFP
Blind Muslims read the Quran in braille in Medan, Indonesia, during the holy month. AFP
A Muslim places food for people to break their fast on a roadside in Karachi, Pakistan. EPA
A Muslim places food for people to break their fast on a roadside in Karachi, Pakistan. EPA
A worker prepares vermicelli, used to make traditional sweet dishes popularly consumed throughout Ramadan, on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India. AFP
A worker prepares vermicelli, used to make traditional sweet dishes popularly consumed throughout Ramadan, on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India. AFP
Women gather for prayer at a mosque in Narathiwat, Thailand. AFP
Women gather for prayer at a mosque in Narathiwat, Thailand. AFP
An Indian worker stacks vermicelli at a factory in Allahabad, India. AFP
An Indian worker stacks vermicelli at a factory in Allahabad, India. AFP
Sugary drinks are prepared for iftar in Karachi, Pakistan. EPA
Sugary drinks are prepared for iftar in Karachi, Pakistan. EPA
Preparation for iftar is under way at a mosque in Kolkata, eastern India. EPA
Preparation for iftar is under way at a mosque in Kolkata, eastern India. EPA
A woman reads the Quran as she waits for iftar at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. EPA
A woman reads the Quran as she waits for iftar at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. EPA

Users can also check out the Smiles app to avail discount vouchers, Mr Amiri says.

With customers focused on preparing iftar and suhoor during Ramadan, elGrocer will provide offers on essentials such as fresh fruits and vegetables, butchery and bakery items, as well as gourmet grocery products like premium dates, Arabic sweets and speciality coffee, among others.

Meanwhile, during Eid, the online marketplace will focus on providing offers and discounts on food hampers and premium boxes of chocolates for family gatherings and celebrations, Mr Amiri says.

'Manmarziyaan' (Colour Yellow Productions, Phantom Films)
Director: Anurag Kashyap​​​​​​​
Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal​​​​​​​
Rating: 3.5/5

AIDA%20RETURNS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECarol%20Mansour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAida%20Abboud%2C%20Carol%20Mansour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5.%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
While you're here
If you go

The flights
Emirates (www.emirates.com) and Etihad (www.etihad.com) both fly direct to Bengaluru, with return fares from Dh 1240. From Bengaluru airport, Coorg is a five-hour drive by car.

The hotels
The Tamara (www.thetamara.com) is located inside a working coffee plantation and offers individual villas with sprawling views of the hills (tariff from Dh1,300, including taxes and breakfast).

When to go
Coorg is an all-year destination, with the peak season for travel extending from the cooler months between October and March.

Indoor Cricket World Cup

Venue Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23

UAE squad Saqib Nazir (captain), Aaqib Malik, Fahad Al Hashmi, Isuru Umesh, Nadir Hussain, Sachin Talwar, Nashwan Nasir, Prashath Kumara, Ramveer Rai, Sameer Nayyak, Umar Shah, Vikrant Shetty

While you're here...
Normcore explained

Something of a fashion anomaly, normcore is essentially a celebration of the unremarkable. The term was first popularised by an article in New York magazine in 2014 and has been dubbed “ugly”, “bland’ and "anti-style" by fashion writers. It’s hallmarks are comfort, a lack of pretentiousness and neutrality – it is a trend for those who would rather not stand out from the crowd. For the most part, the style is unisex, favouring loose silhouettes, thrift-shop threads, baseball caps and boyish trainers. It is important to note that normcore is not synonymous with cheapness or low quality; there are high-fashion brands, including Parisian label Vetements, that specialise in this style. Embraced by fashion-forward street-style stars around the globe, it’s uptake in the UAE has been relatively slow.

Ammar 808:
Maghreb United
Sofyann Ben Youssef
Glitterbeat 

Read

Turkish Ladies

Various artists, Sony Music Turkey 

Full list of brands available for Instagram Checkout

Adidas @adidaswomen

Anastasia Beverly Hills @anastasiabeverlyhills

Balmain @balmain

Burberry @burberry

ColourPop @colourpopcosmetics

Dior @dior

H&M @hm

Huda Beauty @hudabeautyshop

KKW @kkwbeauty

Kylie Cosmetics @kyliecosmetics

MAC Cosmetics @maccosmetics

Michael Kors @michaelkors

NARS @narsissist

Nike @niketraining & @nikewomen

NYX Cosmetics @nyxcosmetics

Oscar de la Renta @oscardelarenta

Ouai Hair @theouai

Outdoor Voices @outdoorvoices

Prada @prada

Revolve @revolve

Uniqlo @uniqlo

Warby Parker @warbyparker

Zara @zara

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

While you're here
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMBC%20Shahid%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
Pope Francis in UAE
Ruwais timeline

1971 Abu Dhabi National Oil Company established

1980 Ruwais Housing Complex built, located 10 kilometres away from industrial plants

1982 120,000 bpd capacity Ruwais refinery complex officially inaugurated by the founder of the UAE Sheikh Zayed

1984 Second phase of Ruwais Housing Complex built. Today the 7,000-unit complex houses some 24,000 people.  

1985 The refinery is expanded with the commissioning of a 27,000 b/d hydro cracker complex

2009 Plans announced to build $1.2 billion fertilizer plant in Ruwais, producing urea

2010 Adnoc awards $10bn contracts for expansion of Ruwais refinery, to double capacity from 415,000 bpd

2014 Ruwais 261-outlet shopping mall opens

2014 Production starts at newly expanded Ruwais refinery, providing jet fuel and diesel and allowing the UAE to be self-sufficient for petrol supplies

2014 Etihad Rail begins transportation of sulphur from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais for export

2017 Aldar Academies to operate Adnoc’s schools including in Ruwais from September. Eight schools operate in total within the housing complex.

2018 Adnoc announces plans to invest $3.1 billion on upgrading its Ruwais refinery 

2018 NMC Healthcare selected to manage operations of Ruwais Hospital

2018 Adnoc announces new downstream strategy at event in Abu Dhabi on May 13

Source: The National

More coverage from the Future Forum
Fifa Club World Cup quarter-final

Esperance de Tunis 0
Al Ain 3 (Ahmed 02’, El Shahat 17’, Al Ahbabi 60’)

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Brief scores:

Manchester City 2

Gundogan 27', De Bruyne 85'

Crystal Palace 3

Schlupp 33', Townsend 35', Milivojevic 51' (pen)

Man of the Match: Andros Townsend (Crystal Palace)

Sri Lanka-India Test series schedule

1st Test July 26-30 in Galle

2nd Test August 3-7 in Colombo

3rd Test August 12-16 in Pallekele

COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOlive%20Gaea%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Vivek%20Tripathi%2C%20Jessica%20Scopacasa%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELicensed%20by%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%20World%20Trade%20Centre%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Climate-Tech%2C%20Sustainability%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%241.1%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECornerstone%20Venture%20Partners%20and%20angel%20investors%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Match info

Champions League quarter-final, first leg

Liverpool v Porto, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE)

Matches can be watched on BeIN Sports

The biog

Place of birth: Kalba

Family: Mother of eight children and has 10 grandchildren

Favourite traditional dish: Al Harees, a slow cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with meat or chicken

Favourite book: My early life by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah

Favourite quote: By Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, “Those who have no past will have no present or future.”

The biog

Hobby: Playing piano and drawing patterns

Best book: Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

Food of choice: Sushi  

Favourite colour: Orange

On Women's Day
On Women's Day
While you're here
Abu Dhabi race card

5pm Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic Prestige | Dh110,000 | 1,400m

5.30pm Abu Dhabi Colts Classic Prestige | Dh110,000 | 1,400m

6pm Abu Dhabi Championship Listed | Dh180,000 | 1,600m

6.30pm Maiden | Dh80,000 | 1,600m

7pm Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap | Dh80,000 | 1,400m

7.30pm Handicap (TB) |Dh100,000 | 2,400m

Turning%20waste%20into%20fuel
%3Cp%3EAverage%20amount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20at%20DIC%20factory%20every%20month%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EApproximately%20106%2C000%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAmount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20from%201%20litre%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%20%3Cstrong%3E920ml%20(92%25)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ETime%20required%20for%20one%20full%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%20used%20cooking%20oil%20to%20biofuel%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EOne%20day%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EEnergy%20requirements%20for%20one%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%201%2C000%20litres%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%96%AA%20Electricity%20-%201.1904%20units%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Water-%2031%20litres%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Diesel%20%E2%80%93%2026.275%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
FIXTURES

All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Saturday
Fiorentina v Torino (8pm)
Hellas Verona v Roma (10.45pm)

Sunday
Parma v Napoli (2.30pm)
Genoa v Crotone (5pm)
Sassuolo v Cagliari (8pm)
Juventus v Sampdoria (10.45pm)

Monday
AC Milan v Bologna (10.45om)

Playing September 30

Benevento v Inter Milan (8pm)
Udinese v Spezia (8pm)
Lazio v Atalanta (10.45pm)

MEDIEVIL%20(1998)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20SCE%20Studio%20Cambridge%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sony%20Computer%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%2C%20PlayStation%204%20and%205%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Where%20the%20Crawdads%20Sing
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOlivia%20Newman%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Daisy%20Edgar-Jones%2C%20Taylor%20John%20Smith%2C%20Harris%20Dickinson%2C%20David%20Strathairn%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
%3Cp%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%201.9km%20King%20Salman%20Boulevard%2C%20a%20Parisian%20Champs-Elysees-inspired%20avenue%2C%20is%20scheduled%20for%20completion%20in%202028%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20Royal%20Diriyah%20Opera%20House%20is%20expected%20to%20be%20completed%20in%20four%20years%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%20first%20of%2042%20hotels%2C%20the%20Bab%20Samhan%20hotel%2C%20will%20open%20in%20the%20first%20quarter%20of%202024%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20On%20completion%20in%202030%2C%20the%20Diriyah%20project%20is%20forecast%20to%20accommodate%20more%20than%20100%2C000%20people%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20%2463.2%20billion%20Diriyah%20project%20will%20contribute%20%247.2%20billion%20to%20the%20kingdom%E2%80%99s%20GDP%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20It%20will%20create%20more%20than%20178%2C000%20jobs%20and%20aims%20to%20attract%20more%20than%2050%20million%20visits%20a%20year%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20About%202%2C000%20people%20work%20for%20the%20Diriyah%20Company%2C%20with%20more%20than%2086%20per%20cent%20being%20Saudi%20citizens%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Women & Power: A Manifesto

Mary Beard

Profile Books and London Review of Books 

On Women's Day
More from Firas Maksad
TOP%2010%20MOST%20POLLUTED%20CITIES
%3Cp%3E1.%20Bhiwadi%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Ghaziabad%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20Hotan%2C%20China%0D%3Cbr%3E4.%20Delhi%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E5.%20Jaunpur%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E6.%20Faisalabad%2C%20Pakistan%0D%3Cbr%3E7.%20Noida%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E8.%20Bahawalpur%2C%20Pakistan%0D%3Cbr%3E9.%20Peshawar%2C%20Pakistan%0D%3Cbr%3E10.%20Bagpat%2C%20India%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%20IQAir%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
SPECS%3A%20Polestar%203
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELong-range%20dual%20motor%20with%20400V%20battery%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E360kW%20%2F%20483bhp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E840Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20automatic%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20touring%20range%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20628km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.7sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20210kph%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh360%2C000%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeptember%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder

Transmission: CVT auto

Power: 181bhp

Torque: 244Nm

Price: Dh122,900 

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

Updated: April 07, 2022, 5:00 AM
Personal financeEconomyRamadan 2026UAE