Ramadan is expected to begin on March 1 in the UAE this year, according to predictions from astronomers. However, the official start date will be determined by the moon-sighting committee - likely to be after sunset on February 28.
The 29-to-30 day month, the length of which is determined by the moon cycle, is the holiest in Islam and requires Muslims to abstain from all food and drink during daylight hours. Fasting from dawn to dusk strips away distractions for practising Muslims, allowing them to look within instead, focus on faith and empathise with the less fortunate.
For many Muslims, Ramadan is an annual reset. The month represents a complete change in routine, with the faithful reconsidering their priorities, increasing their piety, and gathering more frequently with close friends and family. They typically also increase their charitable contributions, and spend time on personal reflection - all while avoiding negative environments or habits, such as gossiping or swearing.
For non-Muslims living in the UAE, the spirit of Ramadan can also be felt in the festive lighting of the cities and appearance of iftar tents.
Supermarkets tend to become busier as families stock up on Ramadan essentials, like apricot paste and Vimto, to prepare meals for sunset and working and school hours are reduced in consideration of fasting Muslims, who often stay up late with night prayers and Quran recitation.
If this is your first Ramadan in the UAE, here are a few things to look out for – from official rules to cultural tips or recommendations.
Do not eat, drink or smoke in public, where possible
During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat, smoke or drink from sunrise (fajr) to sunset (maghrib) - each marked with prayers. Though most restaurants and cafes remain open across the country, non-Muslims are encouraged not to eat, drink, smoke or even chew gum publicly in non-designated places while the Sun is out.
Officially, doing so is against the law and could result in a Dh2,000 ($545) fine or a jail sentence of no more than a month - but this is rarely applied.
Non-fasting people can do all of these things in private or designated areas, including at restaurants and cafes.
At work, companies must provide a room for people to eat away from those fasting.
Water can be consumed at the gym and private beaches but it is best to be mindful about drinking when going to and from the car park.
You can eat, drink and smoke in your car if the interior of your vehicle is not visible. Discretion is generally advised.
Children are also able to eat and drink in public, regardless of their location.
If you forget and are seen eating or drinking publicly, it is best to apologise and try to avoid making the mistake again. Ramadan is also about practising patience, so people are typically forgiving about mistakes if it is clear there is no ill intention.
Be mindful around fasting Muslims
As at other times of the year – but especially during Ramadan – people should avoid demonstrative acts of affection in public, as this can be an offence.
People should also avoid making a scene in public as it is generally a time of peaceful reflection and piety.
Men and women are encouraged to dress more modestly during the holy month, avoiding revealing and tight clothing. Swimwear is still acceptable at public beaches and hotel pools, which will be open as usual.
Non-Muslims should consider whether they have Muslim friends who are fasting before using strong language or making jokes that could be deemed inappropriate.
It is also best to avoid playing music loudly during the holy month and to use headphones instead – particularly during prayers or the call to prayer.
Get involved where appropriate
Non-Muslims can certainly try their hand at fasting by attending iftar and suhoor tents at hotels and participating in charitable initiatives if they wish to partake in aspects of the holy month.
If invited to iftar, as with any such offer, it is polite to attend. It is not a requirement, but it is never wrong to bring a gift when visiting someone’s home. It is advisable to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before maghrib. Turning up with a box of dates or sweets in hand will not go amiss.
Watching the iftar cannon go off, which signals the setting of the Sun, at a park or mosque can also be a nice experience, particularly for children who can learn about its significance during the holy month.
During Ramadan, Muslims tend to give more to charity and people are invited to practise the spirit of giving. Non-Muslims can also take this time to donate to charity or carry out volunteer work.
Some families choose to put up tents – in co-ordination with their respective municipalities and Emirates Red Crescent – to feed low-income workers in the area.
Those who wish to set up a tent must go through a licensing procedure that involves receiving temporary permits from the municipality.
Iftar and prayer timings for Ramadan 2025:
With Ramadan falling earlier with every year, Muslims can expect to fast for a slightly shorter time period than they did last year but the days lengthen towards the end of the month.
This year, Muslims in the UAE will begin the month by fasting for about 14 hours and 13 minutes. The fasting time will steadily increase as the holy month progresses. By the end of Ramadan, the fast will last for 14 hours and 55 minutes.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
2024%20Dubai%20Marathon%20Results
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWomen%E2%80%99s%20race%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E1.%20Tigist%20Ketema%20(ETH)%202hrs%2016min%207sec%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Ruti%20Aga%20(ETH)%202%3A18%3A09%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20Dera%20Dida%20(ETH)%202%3A19%3A29%0D%3Cbr%3EMen's%20race%3A%0D%3Cbr%3E1.%20Addisu%20Gobena%20(ETH)%202%3A05%3A01%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Lemi%20Dumicha%20(ETH)%202%3A05%3A20%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20DejeneMegersa%20(ETH)%202%3A05%3A42%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Breast cancer in men: the facts
1) Breast cancer is men is rare but can develop rapidly. It usually occurs in those over the ages of 60, but can occasionally affect younger men.
2) Symptoms can include a lump, discharge, swollen glands or a rash.
3) People with a history of cancer in the family can be more susceptible.
4) Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy but early diagnosis is the key.
5) Anyone concerned is urged to contact their doctor
PROFILE BOX
Company name: Overwrite.ai
Founder: Ayman Alashkar
Started: Established in 2020
Based: Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai
Sector: PropTech
Initial investment: Self-funded by founder
Funding stage: Seed funding, in talks with angel investors
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
Day 4, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage appeared to have been hard done by when he had his dismissal of Sami Aslam chalked off for a no-ball. Replays suggested he had not overstepped. No matter. Two balls later, the exact same combination – Gamage the bowler and Kusal Mendis at second slip – combined again to send Aslam back.
Stat of the day Haris Sohail took three wickets for one run in the only over he bowled, to end the Sri Lanka second innings in a hurry. That was as many as he had managed in total in his 10-year, 58-match first-class career to date. It was also the first time a bowler had taken three wickets having bowled just one over in an innings in Tests.
The verdict Just 119 more and with five wickets remaining seems like a perfectly attainable target for Pakistan. Factor in the fact the pitch is worn, is turning prodigiously, and that Sri Lanka’s seam bowlers have also been finding the strip to their liking, it is apparent the task is still a tough one. Still, though, thanks to Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed, it is possible.
Family reunited
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was born and raised in Tehran and studied English literature before working as a translator in the relief effort for the Japanese International Co-operation Agency in 2003.
She moved to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies before moving to the World Health Organisation as a communications officer.
She came to the UK in 2007 after securing a scholarship at London Metropolitan University to study a master's in communication management and met her future husband through mutual friends a month later.
The couple were married in August 2009 in Winchester and their daughter was born in June 2014.
She was held in her native country a year later.
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Gender pay parity on track in the UAE
The UAE has a good record on gender pay parity, according to Mercer's Total Remuneration Study.
"In some of the lower levels of jobs women tend to be paid more than men, primarily because men are employed in blue collar jobs and women tend to be employed in white collar jobs which pay better," said Ted Raffoul, career products leader, Mena at Mercer. "I am yet to see a company in the UAE – particularly when you are looking at a blue chip multinationals or some of the bigger local companies – that actively discriminates when it comes to gender on pay."
Mr Raffoul said most gender issues are actually due to the cultural class, as the population is dominated by Asian and Arab cultures where men are generally expected to work and earn whereas women are meant to start a family.
"For that reason, we see a different gender gap. There are less women in senior roles because women tend to focus less on this but that’s not due to any companies having a policy penalising women for any reasons – it’s a cultural thing," he said.
As a result, Mr Raffoul said many companies in the UAE are coming up with benefit package programmes to help working mothers and the career development of women in general.
QUALIFYING RESULTS
1. Max Verstappen, Netherlands, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1 minute, 35.246 seconds.
2. Valtteri Bottas, Finland, Mercedes, 1:35.271.
3. Lewis Hamilton, Great Britain, Mercedes, 1:35.332.
4. Lando Norris, Great Britain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.497.
5. Alexander Albon, Thailand, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1:35.571.
6. Carlos Sainz Jr, Spain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.815.
7. Daniil Kvyat, Russia, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:35.963.
8. Lance Stroll, Canada, Racing Point BWT Mercedes, 1:36.046.
9. Charles Leclerc, Monaco, Ferrari, 1:36.065.
10. Pierre Gasly, France, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:36.242.
Eliminated after second session
11. Esteban Ocon, France, Renault, 1:36.359.
12. Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, Renault, 1:36.406.
13. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Ferrari, 1:36.631.
14. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:38.248.
Eliminated after first session
15. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.075.
16. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.555.
17. Kevin Magnussen, Denmark, Haas Ferrari, 1:37.863.
18. George Russell, Great Britain, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.045.
19. Pietro Fittipaldi, Brazil, Haas Ferrari, 1:38.173.
20. Nicholas Latifi, Canada, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.443.
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
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