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  Saudi Arabia has seen a dramatic increase in vehicular movement on roads leading to Mecca, with over 3.7 million vehicles recorded within the first ten days of Ramadan. This rise is largely due to the influx of pilgrims performing Umrah at the Grand Mosque, a sacred site that attracts millions during the holy month. To ensure the safety and comfort of travelers, the Roads General Authority has implemented a robust management system. This includes continuous road maintenance, installation of advanced traffic control technologies, and the enhancement of road safety measures. Authorities are conducting regular inspections to optimize traffic efficiency and minimize congestion during this peak period. Ramadan, a month of profound worship, marks the busiest time for Umrah. Reports from Al Arabiya TV indicate that in just the first ten days of the holy month, more than 25 million worshippers, including 5.5 million Umrah pilgrims, have visited the Grand Mosque. Recognizing the spiritual...

  The holy month of Ramadan has begun in the UAE, starting March 1, 2025, and Dubai is embracing this occasion with a series of festive events. These activities are designed to foster community spirit and provide enjoyable experiences for all. From March 6 to March 23, residents and visitors can enjoy the Ramadan at the Park event at Zabeel Park Amphitheatre. This popular gathering will be open from 5 PM to midnight on weekdays and until 1 AM on weekends, creating a wonderful atmosphere for families to gather and break their fast. The Ramadan District Market is also making a comeback from March 8 to March 23, serving as a hub for cultural entertainment, shopping, and delicious food. At Expo City, the Hai Ramadan pop-up will offer an array of activities, including camel rides and exclusive dining experiences. During this sacred month, Dubai's shopping malls will also adapt their hours to better serve the community. Shoppers are encouraged to verify the specific timings at each venue...

  For the first time in history, the UAE is employing artificial intelligence-powered drones to sight the crescent moon, signaling the start of Ramadan. This modernized approach blends technology with Islamic tradition, enhancing the reliability of moon sighting methods. Historically, the crescent moon has been identified through naked-eye sightings and advanced astronomical calculations. By incorporating AI-supported drones, the UAE is reinforcing its position as a leader in technological innovation while maintaining deep respect for religious customs. This method is backed by national research centers and astronomical observatories, ensuring precision and credibility in determining the start of Ramadan. Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam, marked by fasting from dawn to dusk. Suhoor, the early morning meal, and Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast, hold great importance during this period. The holy month is also a time of increased charitable giving, with many Muslims part...

  On Friday, the UAE continued its extensive humanitarian mission, dispatching 257 tonnes of Ramadan food supplies to Gaza under Operation Gallant Knight 3. This latest shipment adds to the 37,300 tonnes of aid that the Gulf nation has provided to Palestinians since the crisis escalated. The UAE was among the first nations to mobilize aid following the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023. In addition to humanitarian efforts, the country has consistently advocated for diplomatic solutions to end the conflict and restore stability to the region. By combining humanitarian assistance with diplomatic efforts, the UAE underscores its commitment to supporting Gaza’s people while working toward long-term peace.

  The  UAE Ministry of Finance  has launched several community initiatives during the holy month of Ramadan to empower people in need and improve their quality of life. The UAE has become a global destination for humanitarian work, addressing issues such as the recent earthquakes in Turkey and the ongoing Gaza crisis. Undersecretary Younis Haji Al Khoori emphasized the UAE’s commitment to charitable work and its role in assisting the vulnerable and underprivileged, improving quality of life, and enhancing social solidarity and tolerance. The UAE Ministry of Finance prioritizes charitable activities and their role in assisting the vulnerable and underprivileged, improving quality of life, and enhancing social solidarity and tolerance. The Head of Emirates Red Crescent in Ras Al Khaimah, Rashid Mohammed Al Khatibi Al Kaabi, appreciated the Ministry’s humanitarian and developmental initiatives and its continued support for its crucial programs. Commemorating Zayed Humanitari...

  The 34th Sharjah  Ramadan  Festival, organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, began on March 8 and will run for 37 days until the 13th of next month. The festival is a prominent promotional and entertainment destination, featuring a variety of events and activities designed to enhance the festive atmosphere and shopping experience. The event covers multiple cities and regions across the emirate, featuring entertainment activities, draws, prizes, and promotional incentives. Participating brands, entrepreneurs, and small-business owners are among the major commercial hubs. The festival also features numerous retail outlets showcasing their promotional campaigns. The event aims to elevate the emirate’s profile as a premier destination and offers a diverse range of products from renowned global brands at competitive rates. The festival also offers entertainment activities, heritage-themed activities, shopping experiences, competitions, and prizes. The 37-d...

  UAE residents began observing  Ramadan  on March 11, and generosity is a crucial aspect for Muslims during the holy month. Emirati authorities have issued instructions to help people understand permissible and prohibited charitable practices during Ramadan. Residents are required to make donations through licensed charitable organizations only. The Ministry of Community Development clarified that individuals can support and assist their family members and friends in need. UAE residents can also take care of the requirements of people within their neighborhoods. Distributing Iftar meals in mosques and neighborhoods is not banned, and restaurants can accept donations to prepare meals but must coordinate with charitable organizations. Suspects can report  suspected violations  to the ministry’s call centre through 800623 for legal considerations. Penalties range from Dh200,000 to Dh500,000. Several UAE charitable initiatives are being launched this Ramadan, inclu...

  The UAE has announced the start of Ramadan 2024, with March 11 as the official start date. The  Emirates Red Crescent  launched a massive Dh37.6 million Ramadan campaign to alleviate the sufferings of needy families in the UAE and 44 countries across Asia, Europe, and South America. The campaign aims to support 1.8 million people by offering Eid clothing, Ramadan food parcels, and Iftar meals. The ERC is also set to launch women-only Ramadan and Iftar tents across Dubai, Ajman, and Abu Dhabi. There will be 321 donation collection sites in all emirates, located in malls, prominent markets, and densely populated areas. Citizens and residents can still offer assistance through the Emirates Red Crescent’s donation centres, website, apps, bank deposits, text messages, cash donation boxes, and different in-person donation collection locations. ERC Secretary General Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri said the humanitarian organization is keen to expand its  Ramadan programmes ...

  HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched the Mothers’ Endowment campaign, aiming to honor mothers in the UAE by establishing a Dh1 billion fund to support the education of millions of people. The campaign is  named after mothers  as their children’s first teachers, who nurture generations and offer them necessary knowledge throughout life. The endowment fund plans to support the education and qualification of people in underprivileged communities worldwide, empowering them to enter the job market. The campaign highlights the values of honoring parents, kindness, and solidarity, solidifying the  UAE’s status in charity  and humanitarian initiatives. The UAE’s unique culture of generosity is celebrated through the campaign, which calls upon everyone, young and old, men and women, to be part of it. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) combines over 35 humanitarian, social, and development initiatives and entities that focus prima...

  Dubai Cares , a civil society organization, has launched a Ramadan fundraising campaign called “Gaza In Our Hearts” to raise funds for emergency relief for the people of Gaza Strip. The campaign acknowledges the depleting supply of relief materials needed by the Palestinian people and the Emirati community’s shared desire to extend more help. The Gaza crisis began on October 7 with Hamas’ surprise attack on Israeli cities, killing 1,200 people and taking hundreds more hostages. The Israeli retaliatory strikes have claimed over 30,000 lives to date. Building upon the success of the UAE’s “Tarahum for Gaza” initiative, the Ramadan campaign is set to raise funds for concrete emergency support, with all donations supporting the delivery of hot meals, food baskets, and tents. Dubai Cares and Anera (American Near East Refugee Aid) have entered into a strategic partnership to ensure the prompt and efficient supply of emergency relief. The campaign provides people in the UAE the opportun...