Ramadan starts on Tuesday and Egyptians have wasted no time in getting into the habits of the holy month, despite coronavirus regulations.
Strings of colourful light bulbs have taken over the facades of apartment blocks across Cairo, a sign that the festive spirit of Ramadan has arrived in Egypt.
Those with deep pockets have started giving out alms, while many are deciding which one of the dozens of television series about to be released simultaneously they should watch first.
Ramadan in Egypt has never been only about fasting from dusk to dawn or other religious rituals. For the 100 million people who call the country home, the holy month is a rich and diverse experience.
But it’s also a challenging time for many, with higher food prices and gigantic traffic jams proving difficult for some.
“Fresh peppers have gone up from 20 to 30 pounds a kilogram and green beans are up by five pounds at 15 a kilogram. And that’s just two items,” said Khayriah Ahmed, 70, who lives in central Cairo.
“Red meat is very expensive anyway, so they probably left its price unchanged so as not to put it completely out of everyone’s reach.”
Ms Ahmed, like many matriarchs with a little money to spare, spent thousands of pounds on alms in the run up to Ramadan.
Average household spending already soars because of the cost of laying on lavish iftars, the meal taken at the end of each day during Ramadan to break the fast.
But higher prices did not stop Egyptians from thronging shops across the country as the start of the month approached, snapping up groceries such as fresh fruit and vegetables as well as the desserts that are a staple during the month.
“I drew a list of the people I know in my neighbourhood who deserve a little help,” Ms Ahmed said. Street iftar meals meant to feed the poor are banned this year, to contain the spread of the virus.
With most Egyptians struggling to cope with higher prices for almost everything, from fuel and utility bills to food and transport, acts of compassion such as Ms Ahmed’s alms go a long way to shore up the social fabric of a nation facing formidable challenges.
Unlike last year, Egyptians are not living under lockdown, but some restrictions remain in place as a third wave of Covid-19 grips the nation.
Health Ministry figures showed a sharp rise in daily infections over the past week, with the country now reporting more than 800 new cases of the virus each day.
Due to the widespread lack of testing, the real number of new infections is believed to be as much as 10 times as high as that cited by health authorities.
Ramadan rules this year include a 30-minute cap on the evening taraweeh prayers and a ban on people staying in mosques to pray for the last 10 days of the month.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Ad Astra
Director: James Gray
Stars: Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones
Five out of five stars
THREE
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October 6: v Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women’s FC
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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES
All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated
Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Napoli v Feyenoord
Besiktas v RB Leipzig
Monaco v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid
Wednesday
Basel v Benfica
CSKA Moscow Manchester United
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Anderlecht v Celtic
Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Juventus v Olympiakos
Sporting Lisbon v Barcelona
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
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Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
