Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque attracted more than 800,000 visitors during Ramadan and the Eid Al Fitr holiday this year, news agency Wam has revealed.
The internationally renowned place of worship welcomed 852,714 guests throughout the period, Wam said.
The number of worshippers who flocked to the mosque through the days and nights of Ramadan to pray and reflect reached 367,867, of which 118,595 performed isha and taraweeh prayers, while 180,896 performed tahajjud.
A record 60,310 Muslims gathered on the 27th day of Ramadan to observe Laylat Al Qadr, a significant night in the Islamic faith. This was the largest number of worshippers hosted by the grand mosque since its opening.
During the Eid Al Fitr holiday, 84,180 worshippers and 83,302 visitors headed to the mosque, Wam reported.
About 1.5 million iftar meals were served at the mosque complex throughout Ramadan and large numbers of copies of the Quran were handed out to worshippers.
To prepare for the influx, Grand Mosque officials teamed up with the Department of Transport to lay on a bus service to the site throughout the last week of Ramadan.
Air-conditioned buses were allocated to transport worshippers to and from car parks.
The centre also worked with the Erth Hotel to provide more than 1,000 additional parking spaces, as well as Zayed Sports City.
More than 40 electric cars were provided to worshippers, while 50 wheelchairs were handed out to those who required them.
The military-style operation was overseen by a team of 580, which included policemen, paramedics, civil defence staff, Emirates Red Crescent volunteers and the centre's staff.
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2pm: Maiden Dh 60,000 (Dirt) 1,400m. Winner: Masaali, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).
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3pm: Handicap Dh 64,000 (D) 1,200m. Winner: Imprison, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.
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4pm: Maiden Dh 60,000 (D) 1,000m. Winner: Cross The Ocean, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
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The UAE volunteers campaign can be reached at www.volunteers.ae , or by calling 800-VOLAE (80086523), or emailing info@volunteers.ae.
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6.20pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 $300,000 (T) 1,800m
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6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 $400,000 (D) 2,000m
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7.30pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 $250,000 (T) 2,410m
Winner: Hawkbill, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
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- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
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- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
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"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
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Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
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