ABU DHABI // The first day of Ramadan will be on Monday, the UAE Ramadan Moon Sighting Committee has announced.
“The holy month of Ramadan in the UAE for the Hijri year 1437 will begin tomorrow, Monday, June 6, 2016,” said a statement by the committee.
To mark the start of the holy month, UAE President Sheikh Khalifa sent cables to leaders of Arab and Muslim countries, reported state news agency Wam.
In the cables, he wished for continued good health and well-being for the leaders and for further progress and prosperity for their nations.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, sent similar cables to the leaders.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed also greeted President Khalifa on the advent of Ramadan and prayed for his good health and well-being.
He also greeted the Rulers, Deputy Rulers and Crown Princes of the emirates and the personnel of the UAE Armed Forces.
Sultan bin Saeed Al Badi, Minister of Justice and chairman of the moon sighting committee, said that the start of Ramadan was determined after investigation, application of relevant Sharia laws and contact with neighbouring countries.
Speaking after a meeting of the committee at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, Mr Al Badi congratulated Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on the occasion of the holy month. He also prayed for the good health of Sheikh Khalifa for the sake of his country, the Arab nation and the Muslim nation.
He also congratulated the people of the UAE and Muslims around the world.
Working hours for the public sector, which were announced last month, will be from 9am to 2pm. Private sector employees in the UAE will have their working days reduced by two hours during Ramadan.
School hours will also be shortened across the country as Ramadan overlaps with the last days of the academic calendar.
Thousands of school pupils will be sitting examinations, such as the ACT or A Levels, during Ramadan this year. The last day of school for pupils is June 23.
The holy month will be marked by a host of activities across the country, from cultural evenings to Ramadan tents.
Charities will also step up their efforts as zakat — meaning charity — is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Patrols on roads around markets, malls and mosques will also be increased, Colonel Jamal Al Ameri, head of public relations at Abu Dhabi Traffic and Patrols Directorate said last week.
Free iftar meals will be distributed to motorists across the country in an attempt to reduce rush-hour accidents.
• FAQs: Everything you need to know about the holy month in the UAE
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Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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Points to remember
- Debate the issue, don't attack the person
- Build the relationship and dialogue by seeking to find common ground
- Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
- Listen actively without interrupting
- Avoid assumptions, seek understanding, ask questions
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The biog
Name: Dhabia Khalifa AlQubaisi
Age: 23
How she spends spare time: Playing with cats at the clinic and feeding them
Inspiration: My father. He’s a hard working man who has been through a lot to provide us with everything we need
Favourite book: Attitude, emotions and the psychology of cats by Dr Nicholes Dodman
Favourit film: 101 Dalmatians - it remind me of my childhood and began my love of dogs
Word of advice: By being patient, good things will come and by staying positive you’ll have the will to continue to love what you're doing
List of alleged parties
May 12, 2020: PM and his wife Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at least 17 staff
May 20, 2020: They attend 'bring your own booze party'
Nov 27, 2020: PM gives speech at leaving party for his staff
Dec 10, 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson
Dec 13, 2020: PM and his wife throw a party
Dec 14, 2020: London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff event at Conservative Party headquarters
Dec 15, 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
Dec 18, 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
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Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
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6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
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The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Sri Lanka squad for tri-nation series
Angelo Mathews (c), Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Janith Perera, Thisara Perera, Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Shehan Madushanka, Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan and Wanidu Hasaranga
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
