UAE medics have told how they embrace the spirit of Ramadan while fasting on the frontline.
Shift patterns may change, with more evening clinics to suit patients abstaining from food and fluids in daylight hours, but health professionals across the country continue working tirelessly to help others.
Hours without eating can take its toll on concentration levels and physical effort, but doctors insist they are ready to deal with all medical situations thrown their way.
For gynaecologist Dr Asma Zahra, years of experience will see her through the long days ahead at NMC Royal Hospital in Dubai Investments Park.
Fasting every day gives me strength, it challenges me, but each day it makes me stronger and a better person
“I have been fasting for many years since a young age and it has helped me connect with my Allah in a very private and a special way,” she said.
“The fasting never became challenging as I started my career as a doctor, and it became easier as the years passed by.”
Like many of her colleagues, the experienced medic is thankful Ramadan is moving away from peak summer months when fasting can last up to 15 hours.
“I have learned to manage my responsibilities as well as my religious obligations,” said Pakistani Dr Zahra, who has two young daughters.
“As doctors, we are trained to handle surgical situations with patience, alertness and self-control, and I believe, fasting teaches us tremendous self-control.
“Fasting every day gives me strength, it challenges me, but each day it makes me stronger and a better person.
“It makes me become closer to my Allah and to the humanity that I surround.”
Doctor says pandemic poses greatest challenge
Like many of his colleagues at Bareen International Hospital in Mohamed bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, obstetrician Dr Mohamed Khalafallah said Ramadan 2021 promises to be a substantially easier time than last year when the Covid-19 pandemic was reaching its peak.
“Last year we were facing many cases of coronavirus and there were a lot of quarantine periods for healthcare workers,” he said.
“Now the vaccine is available it should be an easier time as the number of moderate and severe cases of the virus are already decreasing.
“There are many challenges during fasting, as we can be working from 8am until 8pm so there is little time for sleep or rest.
“It can be hard to concentrate so we try to sleep early or arrange our shifts.”
He aims to arrange clinics in the evening so his patients can visit him for a consultation after iftar.
Any elective surgical procedures are planned early in the morning, so staff are well-rested and alert.
New challenges in the pandemic era, however, are the constant wearing of personal protective equipment to keep coronavirus at bay.
“Wearing a facemask all day is very challenging, especially in the afternoon,” said Dr Khalafallah, who is Egyptian.
“It makes us very thirsty so we try to avoid any procedures late in the day.”
Dr Yamen Jammal, a urologist at Bareen from Syria, said his fasting will not get in the way of his hospital duties.
“I am very happy to treat patients while fasting as part of my community service,” he said.
“At times, it even happens that I am still in the operating room doing a procedure on iftar time.”
Diabetes is a common chronic health issue in the UAE and can present specific challenges during periods of fasting for those required to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Specialist advice is offered by Dr Ihab El Tayeb, an endocrinologist at International Modern hospital in Dubai, who is also fasting this Ramadan.
“Abstaining from food and drink of course leads to low energy, reduces mental alertness and physical power but the good thing is we are working shorter hours,” said the Egyptian.
“Last year we could not work after iftar as there were restrictions on travel at night because of Covid.
“We had no option but to work during the day, which was very tough.”
Holy month a time for 'patience and generosity'
Dr El Tayeb’s shifts have been reduced from eight hours to six, and split into two sessions with three hours in the morning from 10am to 1pm and three at night from 8pm to 11pm to accommodate periods of fasting.
It helps ease the burden of long periods without food and drink.
Life is a little different for Dr Tasmia Tahmeed, an Indian GP at vHealth offering remote healthcare this Ramadan for Aetna International’s virtual health care service.
“Ramadan can be a trying time for anyone that is fasting, but as a full-time practicing doctor and the mother of a two-year-old, it can be a little more challenging at times,” she said.
“I work shifts and have to consult about 12 to 15 patients per day.
“The key for me is being organised by preparing iftar and suhoor meals ahead of time, ensuring I have child-care logistics sorted out and adjusting my breaks so they coincide with iftar, whenever possible.
“I always remember the holy month is also a time for patience and generosity of spirit and try to bring these values to the fore while interacting with and treating my patients.
“It is the rewarding experience of treating and helping patients that far exceeds the temporary discomforts of fasting.”
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How will Gen Alpha invest?
Mark Chahwan, co-founder and chief executive of robo-advisory firm Sarwa, forecasts that Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) will start investing in their teenage years and therefore benefit from compound interest.
“Technology and education should be the main drivers to make this happen, whether it’s investing in a few clicks or their schools/parents stepping up their personal finance education skills,” he adds.
Mr Chahwan says younger generations have a higher capacity to take on risk, but for some their appetite can be more cautious because they are investing for the first time. “Schools still do not teach personal finance and stock market investing, so a lot of the learning journey can feel daunting and intimidating,” he says.
He advises millennials to not always start with an aggressive portfolio even if they can afford to take risks. “We always advise to work your way up to your risk capacity, that way you experience volatility and get used to it. Given the higher risk capacity for the younger generations, stocks are a favourite,” says Mr Chahwan.
Highlighting the role technology has played in encouraging millennials and Gen Z to invest, he says: “They were often excluded, but with lower account minimums ... a customer with $1,000 [Dh3,672] in their account has their money working for them just as hard as the portfolio of a high get-worth individual.”
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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.
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
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- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
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- 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
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How much sugar is in chocolate Easter eggs?
- The 169g Crunchie egg has 15.9g of sugar per 25g serving, working out at around 107g of sugar per egg
- The 190g Maltesers Teasers egg contains 58g of sugar per 100g for the egg and 19.6g of sugar in each of the two Teasers bars that come with it
- The 188g Smarties egg has 113g of sugar per egg and 22.8g in the tube of Smarties it contains
- The Milky Bar white chocolate Egg Hunt Pack contains eight eggs at 7.7g of sugar per egg
- The Cadbury Creme Egg contains 26g of sugar per 40g egg
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The specs
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Volvo ES90 Specs
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On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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RedCrow Intelligence Company Profile
Started: 2016
Founders: Hussein Nasser Eddin, Laila Akel, Tayeb Akel
Based: Ramallah, Palestine
Sector: Technology, Security
# of staff: 13
Investment: $745,000
Investors: Palestine’s Ibtikar Fund, Abu Dhabi’s Gothams and angel investors
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
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
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