I am cramped into an undersized chair copying down foreign language phrases that are being scribbled on a whiteboard by our class tutor.
On the face of it, this could be any language class in any school across the world.
Yet it is appropriate conduct rather than linguistic expertise that the 20 or so mainly western attendees are here to be schooled in.
This is a Ramadan etiquette workshop, staged by Eton Institute, a business training company, at its recently opened Abu Dhabi office in the Park Rotana business complex. The aim of the two-hour, free-to-attend class is to educate non-Muslim expats about the social, historical and religious significance of the festival and to talk about accepted codes of conduct and public behaviour during the Holy Month.
Kariman Al Assil, a motherly Syrian who has worked as a language tutor in the capital for more than 25 years, is leading the class.
Some would argue that, as guests in this land, expats should familiarise themselves with Islamic customs before arrival. Al Assil strongly disagrees.
"Many of the students who attend my classes have just arrived, so how would they know?" she asks. "Unless you read about it before you come here, there is no way you can understand everything about Ramadan. I don't think the media in Europe or America really covers what it is about.
"So they come here and all they know is that Muslims are exhausted, hungry and thirsty during the month. So I see it as my job to supply the answer to why we do this."
Those attending the class confirmed that they felt bemused by what to expect during the month-long religious festival.
Stefan Herget, a 38-year-old from Germany, had only landed in the country 10 days previously to start work for an engineering firm.
"I guess our biggest fear is that we don't want to offend [anyone]," he says before the class began. "So I really came along to see if I could understand more.
"All I knew about [Ramadan] was that it's about fasting and intensive prayer, but that was about it. I was curious to know how a westerner who isn't a Muslim fits in with this and what it's like to be here."
British teacher Marie Lottin, 48, said apprehension was also her motivation for attending.
"I have only been here since last November and so I missed the last [Ramadan]," she explains. "Some of my friends have said to me 'you can't do this, you can't do that', so it was all a bit scary. I saw this class advertised and felt I should really come along to find out if it was true or not."
So, during her lesson, Al Assil attempted to elucidate these issues and dispel misconceptions.
"For those who aren't fasting, the most important thing is to respect those who are fasting around you. That means no eating, no drinking or smoking in front of them," she advises her class.
"Some people don't mind if you do this, but some do, so you should always respect those who do mind. Personally, I don't care. But some do find consuming food in front of them disrespectful. So that is why you should avoid it."
Despite Al Assil's relatively relaxed attitude, it is important to remember there are laws in place that forbid eating, drinking and smoking in public places (or your car) during the hours of daylight, and anyone caught doing so could face being fined or, worse still, being imprisoned.
There are other more charming codes of conduct that non-Muslims should also follow.
"If you are invited to share an iftar meal, go ahead and never hesitate. This is one of the most appreciated acts in the Holy Month," Al Assil imparts.
"[Your hosts] will appreciate you going and be so happy if you come along. If you are invited, they want you to go, so go out of your way to try to attend."
Keeping a cool temper is also a must.
"People should avoid getting into heated debates or arguments during Ramadan," she tells the class. "You will hear people say: 'Allahumma inni saa'em', which means 'Oh God I am fasting'. So I will not answer back what you say, even if you hurt me. If you say bad words then your fast will be broken, so they say this instead."
And because religious rather than worldly pursuits are the name of the game, expect the hasty pace of life in the UAE to ease off somewhat.
"You must remember that business activities tend to slow down during Ramadan. There will probably be delays with any commercial or bureaucratic activities," she warns.
Al Assil interspersed her guidance with charming anecdotes from her own childhood in Syria.
Talking about the Ramadan cannon, which some towns still fire to mark the time to break fast (there are four deployed in Dubai - two in Deira, one in Safa Park and one in Karama), she reminisces: "I remember when I was a little girl, I used to go to the roof of our building just to watch the cannon firing.
"Though it took time to go downstairs to start eating and break the fast, it was more cheerful for me to see the cannon firing. If possible, you should go and see this yourself."
Once this advice has been imparted, Al Assil moves on to the true purpose of Muslims giving up food and drink during daylight hours.
"[Ramadan] is kind of like a shower and clean-up for your soul and body," she contends. "It is not just about going hungry and thirsty for a few hours each day. It is an exercise in self-control, patience, endurance and staying away from bad habits.
"To what extent can you control your needs? To what extent can you control your life? To what extent can you control what you want immediately."
"It is a time of refreshing the human being," she asserts. "You will learn again how to deal with this life and being a straightforward person.
"It is kind of like a course in how to lead a better life. We need the course because after the month we forget about it and go back to our bad habits," she jokes.
As the class comes to its conclusion, the attendees are gifted some dates and Arabic coffee before wandering off to ponder over the knowledge conveyed to them.
So had the lesson allayed their previous concerns? Herget believed it had: "I have learnt a respect for their religion.
"It is tough to fast during this heat, especially the water part of it. Many of my colleagues are Muslims and Arabs, so now I feel I can chat to them about their religion and Ramadan.
"I don't feel I have to fast myself but ... should at least try to learn some respect for them."
Lottin agreed: "I've kind of realised that as long as you're sensible and respectful ... then there's nothing to worry about."
Eton Institute's Ramadan etiquette workshops take place throughout Ramadan in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Visit www.eton.ae or call 800 3866 for more information.
Hugo Berger is a features writer at The National.
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
SPECS
Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and Mini John Cooper Works Countryman
Engine: two-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 306hp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: JCW Clubman, Dh220,500; JCW Countryman, Dh225,500
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
MATCH INFO
Chelsea 1
Alonso (62')
Huddersfield Town 1
Depoitre (50')
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
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.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The Details
Article 15
Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5
DUBAI SEVENS 2018 DRAW
Gulf Men’s League
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Sports City Eagles
Pool B – Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf Men’s Open
Pool A – Bahrain Firbolgs, Arabian Knights, Yalla Rugby, Muscat
Pool B – Amman Citadel, APB Dubai Sharks, Jebel Ali Dragons 2, Saudi Rugby
Pool C – Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2, Roberts Construction, Dubai Exiles 2
Pool D – Dubai Tigers, UAE Shaheen, Sharjah Wanderers, Amman Citadel 2
Gulf U19 Boys
Pool A – Deira International School, Dubai Hurricanes, British School Al Khubairat, Jumeirah English Speaking School B
Pool B – Dubai English Speaking College 2, Jumeirah College, Dubai College A, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2
Pool C – Bahrain Colts, Al Yasmina School, DESC, DC B
Pool D – Al Ain Amblers, Repton Royals, Dubai Exiles, Gems World Academy Dubai
Pool E – JESS A, Abu Dhabi Sharks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 1, EC
Gulf Women
Pool A – Kuwait Scorpions, Black Ruggers, Dubai Sports City Eagles, Dubai Hurricanes 2
Pool B – Emirates Firebirds, Sharjah Wanderers, RAK Rides, Beirut Aconites
Pool C – Dubai Hurricanes, Emirates Firebirds 2, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Transforma Panthers
Pool D – AUC Wolves, Dubai Hawks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf U19 Girls
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, BSAK, DESC, Al Maha
Pool B – Arabian Knights, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Honeymoonish
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
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
EXPATS
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Destroyer
Director: Karyn Kusama
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Toby Kebbell, Sebastian Stan
Rating: 3/5
UAE release: January 31
A Cat, A Man, and Two Women
Junichiro Tamizaki
Translated by Paul McCarthy
Daunt Books
MATCH INFO
What: Brazil v South Korea
When: Tonight, 5.30pm
Where: Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
More on Quran memorisation:
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
Other promotions
- Deliveroo will team up with Pineapple Express to offer customers near JLT a special treat: free banana caramel dessert with all orders on January 26
- Jones the Grocer will have their limited edition Australia Day menu available until the end of the month (January 31)
- Australian Vet in Abu Dhabi (with locations in Khalifa City A and Reem Island) will have a 15 per cent off all store items (excluding medications)
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
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