Technology has become an unavoidable part of our lives. And our spiritual lives are no different. With that in mind, The National picks a selection of gadgets to help people with their prayers, fasting and more this Ramadan. From a digital clock to a voice-activated assistant, here's what to keep your eye on.
Al Harameen digital azan table clock
The Al Harameen digital azan table clock might not be the most futuristic-looking piece of tech, but their clocks have been assisting Muslims in maintaining their daily prayer schedule since 1999 for the analogue version and 2003 for the digital. It offers worldwide prayer times with automatic adjustments based on location and features several azan sounds for personalised use. Additional functions include a Hijri and Gregorian calendar display, automatic daylight savings adjustments, and qibla direction indication. It is a convenient tool for those looking to stay consistent with their prayers during Ramadan.
From Dhs650
Muslim Pro App
If you’re looking for something a bit more contemporary, the Muslim Pro App is designed to provide various features to support Muslims in their daily practices. It includes accurate prayer times, customisable azan notifications, a qibla compass for determining prayer direction, and a complete Quran with audio recitations and translations in several languages. It is available as a free app with basic features, alongside a subscription option for access to premium features. Additional features include a Hijri calendar, a zakat calculator, resources such as a dua (prayer) library and handy tools for locating halal restaurants. The app also offers fasting timers during Ramadan and other practical tools to assist users with their religious and lifestyle needs.
From Dhs18
iQibla Zikr Ring
The iQibla Zikr Ring follows the trend of health and lifestyle wearables such as the Oura, and provides a modern take on the traditional tasbih (rosary). This smart ring allows users to count their zikr (remembrance of Allah) seamlessly throughout the day. The ring also includes a vibration setting that can alert users to prayer times, helping them stay on track with their spiritual commitments. Its long-lasting battery ensures uninterrupted usage, whether at work, travelling, or home, the iQibla Zikr Rings are a discreet and functional companion for those looking to enhance their spiritual practices.
From Dhs70
Yasmina Midi
It is easy to dismiss Yasmina, an AI voice assistant by Yango, as the regional equivalent of Alexa. While clearly inspired by Amazon’s technology, Yasmina’s Arabic touch makes it particularly appealing during Ramadan. The assistant communicates in a female or male Khaleeji accent and responds to clear commands delivered in conversational Arabic. In addition to requesting prayer times, users can ask Yasmina to call the azan in a style reminiscent of famous muezzins. It can also play the Quran and translate verses in English upon request. Moreover, Yasmina provides access to hadiths (sayings of Prophet Mohammed) on specific topics. For those planning meals, Yasmina can suggest healthy iftar recipes that take under 30 minutes to prepare, such as lentil soup and salad, with step-by-step instructions.
From Dhs449
Sajdah smart prayer rug
Launched in 2023 and hailed as the world’s first smart prayer rug, Sajdah is an ideal tool for newcomers to Islam and children learning to perfect their prayers. Created by Qatari inventor Abdulrahman Saleh Khamis, this tech-enabled prayer rug is designed to guide users through prayer actions and various non-mandatory prayers. Instructions are delivered discreetly through built-in speakers and an LED screen. The LED display is especially helpful for Quran memorisation, featuring multilingual support with verses displayed in Arabic, English and Latin script transliteration.
From Dhs499
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
Profile
Company: Justmop.com
Date started: December 2015
Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan
Sector: Technology and home services
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month
Funding: The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups.
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Teachers' pay - what you need to know
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
Name: Brendalle Belaza
From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines
Arrived in the UAE: 2007
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus
Favourite photography style: Street photography
Favourite book: Harry Potter
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich 1
Kimmich (27')
Real Madrid 2
Marcelo (43'), Asensio (56')
Andor
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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'THE WORST THING YOU CAN EAT'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
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