ABU DHABI // Tomorrow will be the first day of Ramadan, the state news agency Wam reported last night.
Video:Searching for the Ramadan moon
Although the moon wasn't visible last night, Nezar Hezam Sallam was present with his mobile observatory unit to educate onlookers about the significance of the event.
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"The moon-sighting committee has announced that Sunday [today] will be the 30th of Sha'aban. The first day of the holy month of Ramadan will be Monday …" it reported.
Nazer Sallam, 31, a Yemeni-born amateur astronomer, had already reached that conclusion.
With his 14-inch telescope, Mr Sallam was one of many with an eye trained on the horizon for any sign of the crescent moon last night.
Although most experts agreed the moon would not be seen until this evening's sunset, he took his equipment to the peak of Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain, to take part in the annual ritual.
"Today? No way. Forget about it," said Mr Sallam. "Tomorrow it should be easy to spot, although perhaps not with the naked eye."
Tradition holds that Ramadan begins the morning after the new moon is seen.
Mr Sallam is the creator and owner of the UAE's first mobile observatory.
He took a large TV in his van to show a crowd of family and friends why it would be impossible to see the moon - because it set before the sun.
Mr Sallam also fixed the largest of his telescopes to his observatory and two smaller telescopes were set up nearby for anyone to look through.
It was the first visit to Jebel Hafeet for Abdulrahman Mohammed, 45, of Ras Al Khaimah, who wanted to be among the first to see the new moon.
"We came here just in case," said Mr Mohammed, an Emirati.
zalhassani@thenational.ae
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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
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
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- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
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David Haye record
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A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
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Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
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Favourite film or television programme: Forrest Gump is my favourite film, that’s never been up for debate. I love watching repeats of Mash as well.
Inspiration: My late father moulded me into the man I am today. I would also say disappointment and sadness are great motivators. There are times when events have brought me to my knees but it has also made me determined not to let them get the better of me.
Founders: Ines Mena, Claudia Ribas, Simona Agolini, Nourhan Hassan and Therese Hundt
Date started: January 2017, app launched November 2017
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Private/Retail/Leisure
Number of Employees: 18 employees, including full-time and flexible workers
Funding stage and size: Seed round completed Q4 2019 - $1m raised
Funders: Oman Technology Fund, 500 Startups, Vision Ventures, Seedstars, Mindshift Capital, Delta Partners Ventures, with support from the OQAL Angel Investor Network and UAE Business Angels
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