Our Correspondent
The Holy Month of Ramadan 1442 Hijri started on April 13 in the UAE, as per the announcement of the moon-sighting committee on the preceding day after Maghreb prayers.
The holy month of fasting is observed by Muslims around the world and lasts for 29 or 30 days depending on the lunar cycle and the Islamic calendar.
Worshippers attended morning fajr prayers observing COVID-19 protocols of physical distancing, masks and sanitising.
In line with the directives of Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) had announced a set of mandatory guidelines for worshipers attending prayers in mosques.
The Department said that Isha and Taraweeh prayers can be performed in mosques, provided worshippers continue to observe precautionary guidelines. The maximum duration of both prayers in mosques has been capped at 30 minutes.
Worshippers praying in mosques must bring their own prayer mats, strictly avoid handshakes and any other physical greetings, and maintain distance as guided by floor stickers.
Working hours in offices
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation in Abu Dhabi has reduced the working day by two hours for all employees in the private sector.
The Sharjah Human Resources Directorate (SHRD) announced that work hours in government departments will start at 9.00 am and end at 14.00 during the Holy month.
But those departments, agencies and institutions operating the shift system will determine their work hours depending on work requirements.
Hospitals and health centres under the Dubai Health Authority will work as per shift timings and medical practitioners will be on call to ensure work continues as usual. The working hours for the DHA administration will be from 9:00 to 14:00 from Sunday to Thursday. Emergency departments at all DHA hospitals will operate around the clock.
COVID-19 Vaccination Centres will provide vaccinations from 9:00 to 16:00 and from 21:00 to midnight from Sunday to Thursday, while on Friday and Saturday, vaccinations will be available from 9:00 to 16:00. The centres will be open only for the morning slot (9:00 to 16:00) during the last ten days of Ramadan, and will be closed on May 7 and 8.
Firing of cannons
Every day during Ramadan, a single shot is fired at the time of iftar while two shots are fired to mark the start of the holy month and the commencement of Eid.
This has been a tradition since the early 1960s. Cannons have been set up in six locations including Atlantis the Palm, Burj Khalifa, and Al Mamzar Beach. In Sharjah, the cannons will be placed at the al majaz waterfront this year. Abu Dhabi, RAK and Umm al Qwain also have cannon firing.
Owing to Covid-19 safety measures, people can only view it on TVs and will not be allowed to witness the firing live.
Pardoning of prisoners
Rulers of various emirates including Abu Dhabi and Sharjah pardoned prisoners ahead of the Holy Month commencement. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, ordered the release of 553 prisoners of different nationalities from Dubai’s correctional and punitive establishments.
Traffic regulations
Abu Dhabi Police have announced that heavy-duty trucks, lorries, and buses carrying more than 50 passengers will be banned on Abu Dhabi roads between 08:00 and 10:00, and from 14:00 to 16:00 throughout Ramadan.
The police have urged such drivers to adhere to this schedule and contribute to making the emirate’s road safer during the holy month.
