With scores of malls and thousands of outlets tempting us to part with our cash, the UAE isn't exactly short on opportunities to shop.
But Ramadan and Eid present many retailers with a high profile stage to offer some of their most generous deals, from food to fridges and cars to cabinets.
If you are about to move into a new home or simply seeking to freshen up furniture or replace appliances, it is often a prime time to save copious dirhams.
Consumers can grab up to 70 per cent off selected items during the holy month, according to Rhiannon Downie-Hurst, founder of UAE home lifestyle platform Home Club ME.
“Lots of sales and promotions happen during both Ramadan and Eid,” she says.
“Not only that, many home decor brands and furniture stores get creative with interior styling ideas around Ramadan and Eid for dining and entertaining at home.”
Ms Downie-Hurst says hardware chain ACE will be running discounts and promotions of up to 50 per cent on all product categories, including do-it-yourself items, tools, cookware and outdoor furniture.
Lots of sales and promotions happen during both Ramadan and Eid
Carrefour is also among major retailers that will slash prices on items such as essential kitchen appliances and other lines during the season, while luxury furniture brand Marina Home has been known to generously discount many products.
Not surprisingly, then, some households delay major purchases until the Ramadan and Eid offers arrive.
Among them are members of Dirham Stretcher, a Facebook community for people seeking to make their budgets go further.
"We wouldn't be able to say when it started, but Ramadan sales have become an institution to the extent that many people will put off purchasing expensive items knowing that the sales will be on," Dirham Stretcher's administrator Susan Syrek says.
“This is particularly true for cars … they might not necessarily be cheaper but, in addition to financing options, car dealers often add freebies such as free insurance, servicing or extras like window tinting.
“The other stars of Ramadan sales are white goods and appliances, electronics and, of course, food and anything related to food preparation, from pots and pans to ovens.
“Many stores offer genuine and significant savings, and it is these sales we tell our community about.”
Ms Syrek and fellow administrator Selma Abdelhamid also recently launched a new website www.sum.ae where they plan to promote particular sales and share the best deals.
“Furniture stores will focus on dining tables and plate sets, while electronic stores will be displaying food processors and other appliances,” says Ms Abdelhamid, who expects more sales to happen online amid the ongoing pandemic.
"We encourage our community to compare prices as the sales are often better online – it's always worth checking and comparing."
The month can prove equally significant for retailers, who experience a rise in trade in certain sectors.
Ashish Panjabi, chief operating officer of Jacky's Electronics and Jacky's Retail, which operates Samsung brand shops, describes the electronics segment as "fairly competitive and busy year-round", but says Ramadan can deliver up to 25 per cent of annual domestic home appliance sales.
“The nature of our offers and promotions typically varies from season to season or when new product launches happen … for Ramadan specifically, the focus tends to move to the kitchen,” Mr Panjabi says.
“We run various promotions and offers on categories such as small kitchen appliances, cookers and freezers.”
Mr Panjabi says an increase in people cooking at home during the pandemic year has lifted “niche categories” like breadmakers or smoothie makers into the mainstream. TVs also sell well, especially as more people are at home and regional networks typically produce tailored programming for Ramadan.
“As we get closer to Eid, we tend to see gifting products sell better and by then, we will have offers across various smartphone brands,” Mr Panjabi says.
“Due to increased volumes during Ramadan for certain categories, we are able to negotiate better pricing with some brands, which we pass on to our customers.
“That said, the challenge in the last year has also been in terms of ensuring a steady supply chain – many factories have been disrupted by the pandemic, while at the same time demand has shot up as people spend more time at home.”
That said, many physical and e-commerce brands will view Ramadan and Eid as important for sales and will look to entice customers where they can.
“Being a retailer today is about being where our customer is,” Mr Panjabi adds.
Due to increased volumes during Ramadan for certain categories, we are able to negotiate better pricing with some brands, which we pass on to our customers.
“To this end, we need to be present in the malls that they visit or online. We are planning for Ramadan thinking of all these sales channels together and planning our offers accordingly.”
Shruthi Nair, executive editor of retail business intelligence platform Images RetailME, says Ramadan has always been a “brilliant marketing opportunity” for retailers to be aggressive with their campaigns and promotions across all channels.
“Traditionally, the targeted, feel-good, socially conscious campaigns have resulted in brands building lasting relationships with their customers, provided they get the messaging right,” she says.
"However, it's not just brand awareness and reach that sees a surge during the holy month, but conversion rates also spike drastically, especially during the second half of Ramadan."
Ms Nair says desktop and mobile sales in this region have always been high, but are expected to be higher "given 'stay-at-home' continues to be the norm" with more people downloading apps, increasing purchases – after sunset – and actively participating in contests and promotions.
“For a retailer, this is also a period where man management, stock management, operations management and cash-flow management will all be put to test,” Ms Nair says. She adds that retailers must also be mindful that customers are going to be bargain-hunting, so should avoid “over-promotions”.
"Balance is key, so every scheme they plan needs to be formulated such that business continuity can be maintained and the months after Ramadan aren't a struggle for them because, after 2020, they can't quite afford another big blow."
So what other seasonal offers should we look out for?
Home Club ME’s Ms Downie-Hurst says kitchen, furniture and bathroom wrap company Creative Wrap could be running their first Ramadan promotion this year.
“Another great company for stylish furniture and decor is Casa Lusso Furniture UAE, which runs sales of up to 70 per cent during Ramadan,” she says.
“Home Club ME vendors Liquid Of Life will be offering 10 per cent off their under-sink water filtration systems during the holy month, as well as Lampshades Dubai, also offering 10 per cent off their bespoke lighting and lampshades design services.”
Dirham Stretcher expects air fryers to be Ramadan bestsellers, but anticipates its members will be alert to all emerging deals.
"We don't necessarily pick any certain promotional period to post to the community, but we will post when we see a genuine good deal members will be interested in," Ms Syrek says.
“Several brands we collaborate with will have offers tailormade for our audience.”
Certainly, it seems there’s an expectation around Ramadan and Eid – much like Dubai Shopping Festival – that some substantial savings could be in the offing.
“These sales have become such a norm that members will wait before changing or upgrading their current appliances or larger purchases,” Ms Abdelhamid says.
“They will often shop around first, asking other community members where a particular product can be found at a good price, then they will wait for a promotion of that product.”
She adds that some stores will also offer a flat discount on all their products for a day or two, such as during Eid weekend.
“This is an opportunity many people will wait for to purchase non-Ramadan related items, for example furniture.”
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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PRISCILLA
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
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
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Titanium Escrow profile
Started: December 2016
Founder: Ibrahim Kamalmaz
Based: UAE
Sector: Finance / legal
Size: 3 employees, pre-revenue
Stage: Early stage
Investors: Founder's friends and Family
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
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Where can I submit a sample?
Volunteers can now submit DNA samples at a number of centres across Abu Dhabi. The programme is open to all ages.
Collection centres in Abu Dhabi include:
- Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
- Biogenix Labs in Masdar City
- Al Towayya in Al Ain
- NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City
- Bareen International Hospital
- NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
- NMC Royal Medical Centre - Abu Dhabi
- NMC Royal Women’s Hospital.
If you go...
Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur, from about Dh3,600. Air Asia currently flies from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, with Berjaya Hotels & Resorts planning to launch direct chartered flights to Redang Island in the near future. Rooms at The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort start from 680RM (Dh597).
LIVERPOOL%20TOP%20SCORERS
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The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
UAE v Zimbabwe A, 50 over series
Fixtures
Thursday, Nov 9 - 9.30am, ICC Academy, Dubai
Saturday, Nov 11 – 9.30am, ICC Academy, Dubai
Monday, Nov 13 – 2pm, Dubai International Stadium
Thursday, Nov 16 – 2pm, ICC Academy, Dubai
Saturday, Nov 18 – 9.30am, ICC Academy, Dubai
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Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Company%20profile
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How do Sim card scams work?
Sim swap frauds are a form of identity theft.
They involve criminals conning mobile phone operators into issuing them with replacement Sim cards by claiming to be the victim, often pretending their phone has been lost or stolen in order to secure a new Sim.
They use the victim's personal details - obtained through criminal methods - to convince such companies of their identity.
The criminal can then access any online service that requires security codes to be sent to a user's mobile phone, such as banking services.
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The essentials
What: Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
When: Friday until March 9
Where: All main sessions are held in the InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Price: Sessions range from free entry to Dh125 tickets, with the exception of special events.
Hot Tip: If waiting for your book to be signed looks like it will be timeconsuming, ask the festival’s bookstore if they have pre-signed copies of the book you’re looking for. They should have a bunch from some of the festival’s biggest guest authors.
Information: www.emirateslitfest.com
Ant-Man and the Wasp
Director: Peyton Reed
Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas
Three stars
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
