You should know by now that Ramadan is a time when we should all have extra patience for one and other. Yes, it is a month of reflection and spirituality, but it is also a month of late nights and low blood sugar levels.
You need only drive around Dubai as the sun is setting and experience the erratic behaviour on the roads to realise just how frayed tempers can become.
But if any group can be seen as an example of how to keep your cool and go the extra mile during these trying times, it has to be the government employees at Dubai Courts.
My daily coverage of the creek-side complex during Ramadan has afforded me a ringside seat to a demonstration of perseverance and patience.
This year, the holy month fell just after the end of the yearly judicial holiday, which is when the majority of courts close down to allow judges to go on their holiday leaves.
At the start of Ramadan the courts were in full swing again, and many delayed cases were being reviewed. Priority is given to cases in which the individuals charged have been in prison awaiting trial.
While visiting the courts and extending to the judges my best wishes for Ramadan, I took the opportunity to ask each of them how they were handling their heavy caseloads during the holy month. The uniform answer was: every day is just like any other day ? we are pushing ahead.
And observing the judges in court, it was clear to see their words were not merely rhetoric. For the past few weeks, an air of calmness has surrounded proceedings.
Just this week, a lawyer raised eyebrows by speaking for almost an hour in an appeal court.
Closing arguments delivered in speech form have always been a rarity in Dubai Courts ? more often than not, written arguments are handed in for review.
Closing arguments are heard verbally during big cases only, and even then they are delivered by lawyers who have the experience and eloquence needed to state their arguments in person.
In cases like the one in session on this particular day, the presiding judge usually asks for a quick closing and moves on to the next case. That morning, the judge did not follow routine.
Instead, all in attendance sat transfixed by the lawyer. Under normal circumstances, he would have been able to pause at will for a sip of water before continuing his speech. But during Ramadan, none of us is afforded that luxury.
As the minutes ticked by, our admiration for the fasting lawyer grew. By the time he concluded his closing argument, I'm pretty sure I could detect in the judge's eyes a sparkle of respect for the dry-mouthed advocate.
I do hope you have no reason to find yourself in a criminal court this Ramadan. But if you do, spare a thought for the judges and the prosecutors who are committed to giving you a fair trial - even when they're thirsty.
@Email:amustafa@thenational.ae
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Transmission: ten-speed
Power: 420bhp
Torque: 624Nm
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5,30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,200m
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THE SPECS
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Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
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- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
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- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
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• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
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