Eid Al Fitr will begin on Monday in the UAE, the moon-sighting committee announced on Saturday.
The committee – a group of astronomers, court officials and advisers from the country's Islamic authority – said it was not possible to see the new crescent moon, which indicates the start of the next Islamic month.
This means Ramadan will last for 30 days this year and the first day of Eid, Shawwal 1, will fall on Monday.
The holy month lasts for either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the crescent moon is seen, because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle.
Government workers will have a week-long holiday during Eid Al Fitr, while private sector workers will have a holiday from Saturday, April 30, until Wednesday, May 4.
Protocols for celebrating Eid Al Fitr were announced by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority on Wednesday evening.
Dr Taher Al Ameri, the authority's spokesman, urged the public to "celebrate this blessed period in health and safety with loved ones, as well as to protect the most vulnerable categories from [coronavirus] infection".
“The protocols include the need to have an active green pass on the Al Hosn app and adhere to relevant precautionary measures,” he said.
The updated protocols also include a requirement for worshippers at Eid prayers to wear face masks at all times and maintain physical distancing.
Prayers must not exceed 20 minutes and the gates of mosques should be opened after dawn prayers.
The authority said the public should give Eid presents through electronic means and people should try to limit celebrations to immediate family members and friends.
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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The flights
Whether you trek after mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda or the Congo, the most convenient international airport is in Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. There are direct flights from Dubai a couple of days a week with RwandAir. Otherwise, an indirect route is available via Nairobi with Kenya Airways. Flydubai flies to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, via Entebbe in Uganda. Expect to pay from US$350 (Dh1,286) return, including taxes.
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Superb ape-watching tours that take in all three gorilla countries mentioned above are run by Natural World Safaris. In September, the company will be operating a unique Ugandan ape safari guided by well-known primatologist Ben Garrod.
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Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
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Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
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Arsenal: Aubameyang (13')
Chelsea: Jorginho (83'), Abraham (87')
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David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
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Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: Dh359,000
On sale: now
Results
Stage 7:
1. Caleb Ewan (AUS) Lotto Soudal - 3:18:29
2. Sam Bennett (IRL) Deceuninck-QuickStep - same time
3. Phil Bauhaus (GER) Bahrain Victorious
4. Michael Morkov (DEN) Deceuninck-QuickStep
5. Cees Bol (NED) Team DSM
General Classification:
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates - 24:00:28
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers - 0:00:35
3. Joao Almeida (POR) Deceuninck-QuickStep - 0:01:02
4. Chris Harper (AUS) Jumbo-Visma - 0:01:42
5. Neilson Powless (USA) EF Education-Nippo - 0:01:45
