The once-crowded shops on Ras Al Khaimah's Kuwait Shopping Street are deserted.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, shoppers are avoiding venturing into the small alleys of what used to be the busiest and most popular shopping area in the old part of the city.
Neatly stacked abayas, colourful dresses and kanduras are left untouched on the shelves of stores that owners have opened in the hope of some last-minute Eid sales.
Traditionally, this time of the year is one of high sales for small retailers, with consumers purchasing food, gifts and clothes in the run-up to celebrating Eid with their family and friends. But not this year.
We are taking all the precautionary measures that the authorities have issued since the outbreak but people are avoiding coming to the market
Already affected by the growth in online sales, owners of small shops in the city’s old town are taking a double hit this year because of the Covid-19 outbreak.
The Eid shopping season usually starts from the beginning of Ramadan, runs through Eid Al Fitr and ends after about three months with Eid Al Adha.
Kuwait Shopping Street has been a favourite for locals and residents to pick up toys, perfumes and new outfits for the whole family, at reasonable prices.
This has been a part of residents’ Eid traditions for decades.
“This year is different, everything is different and we will suffer a lot if the situation remains the same,” said Ali Mousa, a 53-year-old Indian tailor and salesman at Malabar Gents Tailoring and Textiles, one of the city’s oldest tailoring shops.
“I have been working here in the shop for more than 15 years and this is the first time our sales have dropped more than 60 per cent during the Eid season.
“We used to stop taking orders in the second week of Ramadan [due to excessive demand] but now, we barely receive orders,” he said. Unlike in the past, he can now return finished orders within three days.
Mr Mousa, who mainly designs kanduras for men and children, said their prices have attracted shoppers but the fear of the virus is keeping them away.
“We are taking all the precautionary measures that the authorities have issued since the outbreak but people are avoiding coming to the market,” he said.
“We used to have three tailors at the shop but now it’s just me because there is no workload.”
Another tailor on the same street said that he opens his small shop only if he receives an order from his regular customers.
"I opened today because one of my customers called and needed an Abaya," said Asim Atay, a 22-year-old Afghan tailor and salesman at Al Farasha Abayas.
“Four tailors used to work here but two got stuck in their country and could not come back and the other two are home because we do not have a lot of orders.
“The shop used to get busy after the first ten days of Ramadan but now there are no customers. Why should we open and add more expenses?
“We still need to pay salaries, rent and utilities so closing and only taking phone orders is the best solution for now until things change.”
Giving gifts to loved ones is an integral part of Eid celebrations but owners of gift shops tell a similar tale of low sales.
Noor Mohammed, co-owner of Al Ansaf gift shop, said sales nosedived after February.
Gold prices are high and only few customers are coming to the shop
"Sales are still low and people are afraid to go out and do shopping," said the 45-year-old Pakistani who has been working in the UAE for about 31 years.
“I have six employees and I’m paying salaries out of my pocket now.
“I’m praying to God now as the situation is not in our hands.”
It is a double whammy for the gold jewellers, with precious metal prices reaching their highest level and the coronavirus keeping shoppers away.
“Gold prices are high and only a few customers are coming to the shop,” said Mohammed Iqbal, a 46-year-old Indian salesman at Ruby Jewellery.
“I have been in the business for 12 years and this is the first time we have witnessed such a drop in sales, especially during Eid, but we hope it won’t last long.”
Among the few shoppers looking for a bargain was Umm Rashid Al Nuaimi, a 49-year-old Emirati mother of five.
She was out to pick up some traditional embroidered dresses for herself and her daughters.
“I usually spend two to three hours at the market with my daughters looking for good deals and good quality outfits but today I only spent 15 minutes at one shop. I picked up three dresses very quickly and am leaving now,” Mrs Al Nuaimi said.
“Shopping is an important part of Eid that we will miss this year.”
Mrs Al Nuaimi said the pandemic has dampened the festive spirit of Eid Al Fitr but she hopes for a normal Eid Al Adha.
“We enjoy preparing for Eid and the children love it but this time we will not be able to visit family members and invite them over,” she said.
"But we will still celebrate it at home with the children. I will make them help me prepare Eid sweets and we will wear new outfits, exchange gifts and give eidiya to children."
The first day of Eid Al Fitr is determined after sighting the crescent moon that indicates the start of the month of Shawwal.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Results
2.15pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,950m
Winner: Hello, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihi (trainer).
2.45pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,800m
Winner: Right Flank, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
3.15pm: Handicap Dh115,000 1,000m
Winner: Leading Spirit, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
3.45pm: Jebel Ali Mile Group 3 Dh575,000 1,600m
Winner: Chiefdom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,400m
Winner: Ode To Autumn, Patrick Cosgrave, Satish Seemar.
4.45pm: Shadwell Farm Conditions Dh125,000 1,200m
Winner: Last Surprise, James Doyle, Simon Crisford.
5.15pm: Handicap Dh85,000 1,200m
Winner: Daltrey, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihi.
HAJJAN
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
OTHER IPL BOWLING RECORDS
Best bowling figures: 6-14 – Sohail Tanvir (for Rajasthan Royals against Chennai Super Kings in 2008)
Best average: 16.36 – Andrew Tye
Best economy rate: 6.53 – Sunil Narine
Best strike-rate: 12.83 – Andrew Tye
Best strike-rate in an innings: 1.50 – Suresh Raina (for Chennai Super Kings against Rajasthan Royals in 2011)
Most runs conceded in an innings: 70 – Basil Thampi (for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2018)
Most hat-tricks: 3 – Amit Mishra
Most dot-balls: 1,128 – Harbhajan Singh
Most maiden overs bowled: 14 – Praveen Kumar
Most four-wicket hauls: 6 – Sunil Narine
The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 540hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 2,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Kerb weight: 1580kg
Price: From Dh750k
On sale: via special order
'Cheb%20Khaled'
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Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
South Africa v India schedule
Tests: 1st Test Jan 5-9, Cape Town; 2nd Test Jan 13-17, Centurion; 3rd Test Jan 24-28, Johannesburg
ODIs: 1st ODI Feb 1, Durban; 2nd ODI Feb 4, Centurion; 3rd ODI Feb 7, Cape Town; 4th ODI Feb 10, Johannesburg; 5th ODI Feb 13, Port Elizabeth; 6th ODI Feb 16, Centurion
T20Is: 1st T20I Feb 18, Johannesburg; 2nd T20I Feb 21, Centurion; 3rd T20I Feb 24, Cape Town
Courses%20at%20Istituto%20Marangoni%2C%20Dubai
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COMPANY%20PROFILE%3A
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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
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
About Proto21
Date started: May 2018
Founder: Pir Arkam
Based: Dubai
Sector: Additive manufacturing (aka, 3D printing)
Staff: 18
Funding: Invested, supported and partnered by Joseph Group
Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
The Florida Project
Director: Sean Baker
Starring: Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe
Four stars
COPA DEL REY
Semi-final, first leg
Barcelona 1 (Malcom 57')
Real Madrid (Vazquez 6')
Second leg, February 27
RESULTS FOR STAGE 4
Stage 4 Dubai to Hatta, 197 km, Road race.
Overall leader Primoz Roglic SLO (Team Jumbo - Visma)
Stage winners: 1. Caleb Ewan AUS (Lotto - Soudal) 2. Matteo Moschetti ITA (Trek - Segafredo) 3. Primoz Roglic SLO (Team Jumbo - Visma)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
THE BIO
Age: 33
Favourite quote: “If you’re going through hell, keep going” Winston Churchill
Favourite breed of dog: All of them. I can’t possibly pick a favourite.
Favourite place in the UAE: The Stray Dogs Centre in Umm Al Quwain. It sounds predictable, but it honestly is my favourite place to spend time. Surrounded by hundreds of dogs that love you - what could possibly be better than that?
Favourite colour: All the colours that dogs come in
