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
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Mobile phone packages comparison
Dark Souls: Remastered
Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Price: Dh199
Teams
Punjabi Legends Owners: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Intizar-ul-Haq; Key player: Misbah-ul-Haq
Pakhtoons Owners: Habib Khan and Tajuddin Khan; Key player: Shahid Afridi
Maratha Arabians Owners: Sohail Khan, Ali Tumbi, Parvez Khan; Key player: Virender Sehwag
Bangla Tigers Owners: Shirajuddin Alam, Yasin Choudhary, Neelesh Bhatnager, Anis and Rizwan Sajan; Key player: TBC
Colombo Lions Owners: Sri Lanka Cricket; Key player: TBC
Kerala Kings Owners: Hussain Adam Ali and Shafi Ul Mulk; Key player: Eoin Morgan
Venue Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Format 10 overs per side, matches last for 90 minutes
Timeline October 25: Around 120 players to be entered into a draft, to be held in Dubai; December 21: Matches start; December 24: Finals
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Friday
Saint-Etienne v Montpellier (10.45pm)
Saturday
Monaco v Caen (7pm)
Amiens v Bordeaux (10pm)
Angers v Toulouse (10pm)
Metz v Dijon (10pm)
Nantes v Guingamp (10pm)
Rennes v Lille (10pm)
Sunday
Nice v Strasbourg (5pm)
Troyes v Lyon (7pm)
Marseille v Paris Saint-Germain (11pm)
The Bio
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Favourite place to relax in UAE: the desert around Al Mleiha in Sharjah or the eastern mangroves in Abu Dhabi
The one book everyone should read: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It will make your mind fly
Favourite documentary: Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski. It's a good reality check about one of the most valued ecosystems for humanity
The five pillars of Islam
Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
SPECS
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Company%20Profile
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COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
What's in the deal?
Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024
India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.
India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.
Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments
India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery
How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
Company Profile
Company name: Yeepeey
Started: Soft launch in November, 2020
Founders: Sagar Chandiramani, Jatin Sharma and Monish Chandiramani
Based: Dubai
Industry: E-grocery
Initial investment: $150,000
Future plan: Raise $1.5m and enter Saudi Arabia next year
Zidane's managerial achievements
La Liga: 2016/17
Spanish Super Cup: 2017
Uefa Champions League: 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18
Uefa Super Cup: 2016, 2017
Fifa Club World Cup: 2016, 2017
EA%20Sports%20FC%2024
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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
Opening day UAE Premiership fixtures, Friday, September 22:
- Dubai Sports City Eagles v Dubai Exiles
- Dubai Hurricanes v Abu Dhabi Saracens
- Jebel Ali Dragons v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
