World

Ramadan 2023: Expected UAE Iftar timings, what to eat for Iftar vs Suhoor

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed as a time of fasting, spiritual reflection, devotion, and increased charity. In the United Arab Emirates, the holy month is marked with various traditions and customs that are followed by Muslims, as well as non-Muslims who are living or visiting the country.

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The start of Ramadan changes every year based on the Islamic calendar, which consists of 12 lunar months totaling either 354 or 355 days. This causes the fasting month to move up to 10 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
This year, it is expected to fall on March 22 or 23 until April 21. However, dates may vary based on the sighting of the new crescent moon that indicates the month of Shawwal’s arrival, or after the 30th day of Ramadan.
During the Holy Month, there are two main meals: Suhoor and Iftar.
Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast, and it is usually consumed at sunset, while Suhoor is consumed early in the morning before sunrise, just before the fasting hours begin.
The expected UAE timings to break the fast (Iftar) during the Holy Month of Ramadan are as follows:
March 23: 18:31
March 24: 18:32
March 25: 18:32
March 26: 18:33
March 27: 18:33
March 28: 18:33
March 29: 18:34
March 30: 18:34
March 31: 18:35
April 01: 18:35
April 02: 18:36
April 03: 18:36
April 04: 18:37
April 05: 18:37
April 06: 18:37
April 07: 18:38
April 08: 18:38
April 09: 18:39
April 10: 18:39
April 11: 18:40
April 12: 18:40
April 13: 18:41
April 14: 18:41
April 15: 18:41
April 16: 18:42
April 17: 18:42
April 18: 18:43
April 19: 18:43
April 20: 18:44
April 21: 18:44

What to eat for Iftar vs Suhoor

UAE-based nutritionists told Al Arabiya English on Tuesday that different rules apply when it comes to what should or should not be eaten during Suhoor and Iftar.

For Iftar, Muslims should break their fast traditionally with three dates to replenish themselves with adequate nutrients and energy, the experts said.
“Drink water/ milk/ soups to rehydrate appropriately. The main meal should include protein choices (lean chicken, fish, lentils, beans) with complex carbohydrates (brown rice, quinoa, couscous, whole grain pasta) and 1-2 cups of colorful vegetables,” said clinical dietitian at Abu Dhabi’s Burjeel Hospital, Archana Baju.
According to clinical dietitian Juliot Vinolia of Dubai’s Medeor Hospital, Muslims fasting should aim to avoid spicy and deep-fried foods and opt for healthier meals made in an air fryer instead.
She warned that consuming excessive sugar and fat after fasting hours can lead to fatty liver disease and increase the risk of gall and kidney stones.
“Carbonator devices are easily available online which can greatly replace sugar loaded soft drinks with plain fizzy sparking water which can be flavored with lemon, mint, cucumber or berries,” she recommended.
Clinical Dietitian Davie Telan of the Salma Rehabilitation Hospital in Abu Dhabi told Al Arabiya English on Tuesday that people should aim to include fiber-rich foods in their meals in order to “feel fuller and extend satiety for longer periods of time.”
“Make sure to have a complete meal that includes fruits, vegetables, starchy foods, dairy foods, protein-rich foods and natural fats. A complete meal will help control your appetite and even boost your immune system. Remember that quality, not quantity, of your meals during Suhoor and Iftar is what matters.”
She encouraged people to incorporate fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and legumes into their diets during the holy month to ensure an appropriate intake of necessary vitamins and minerals.
As for Suhoor, the meal eaten before dawn during Ramadan before resuming fasting in the morning, the nutritionists stressed its importance, adding that people should aim to incorporate complex carbohydrates, protein, fruits, and vegetables in these meals but must avoid caffeine at all costs in order to avoid rapid dehydration.
Vionlia explained that Suhoor should not be skipped because it can lower metabolism and aid with fat storage in the body. She advises Muslims to avoid sugary and carbonated drinks, as well as highly processed carbs like sweetened breakfast cereals, cakes, pastries, biscuits and white bread.
In addition, Telan said that overindulging in fried and processed foods should be avoided because it could exacerbate the risk of chronic diseases and cause weight gain.
“Avoid too much salt as this will dehydrate you and make you thirsty during the day. In lieu of salt, use herbs, spices, lemon, or lime to add flavor to the food,” Telan explained.

Al Arabiya English's Jennifer Bell contributed to this report.

UAE’s Ramadan rules for non-Muslims, reduced working hours, holidays explained

Ramadan 2023: Reduced working hours expected for UAE employees

World

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi meets with CEOs of leading Norwegian companies

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has met with a group of CEOs from leading Norwegian companies, as part of their participation in the UAE-Norway Investment Forum, held alongside his official visit to the Kingdom of Norway.

During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed underscored the UAE leadership’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with its international partners.

He highlighted that investment in innovation and knowledge is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development, noting that enhancing collaboration with Norwegian companies across key sectors will open new avenues for mutual economic growth between the two countries.

The UAE-Norway Investment Forum, taking place in Oslo, aimed to highlight available investment opportunities and strengthen trade relations between the UAE and Norway, fostering shared interests and supporting innovation and knowledge-based economic visions.

-wam

World

At the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS inaugurates 10th global office, releases four books

As part of its Asian research tour, partnership with Aletihad News Center, and
primary sponsorship of the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS
Research & Advisory inaugurated its office in Jakarta, marking its 10th location
worldwide. It also released four books in Indonesian.
The inauguration event was attended by ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, and
Jordan to Indonesia, chairpersons of the UAE and Indonesian Publishers’
Associations, the Director of TRENDS’ Jakarta office, and a group of researchers
and academics.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS
Research & Advisory, stated that TRENDS’ international offices—set to reach 15
by the end of 2024—aim to enhance the Center’s research efforts and deepen its
role in disseminating knowledge, thus serving as a global knowledge bridge.
He emphasized, “At TRENDS, we believe in the importance of cooperation
between think tanks and prioritize this endeavor. We believe the TRENDS office in
Jakarta will enhance the exchange of knowledge and ideas between think tanks in
Asia and the Middle East, opening new horizons for collaboration in various
fields.”

Four books in Indonesian
As part of the Jakarta office’s inaugural activities, four books were released in
Indonesian, including the 11th and 12th books of the Muslim Brotherhood
Encyclopedia and Global Trends in AI and Automation and the Future of
Competition between Man and Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision.

Hostility to Arab states
The 11th book of the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia, The Concept of the State
According to the Muslim Brotherhood, highlights its hostile stance toward Arab
states since its inception. The group views them as an obstacle to its ascent to
power. It opposed the modern principles upon which these states were built,
considering them incompatible with the group’s unique interpretation of Islam,
which it claimed to embody exclusively.

Exclusion of nonconformists
The 12th book, The Muslim Brotherhood: Rejection of Tolerance and Exclusion of
Nonconformists, examines the Muslim Brotherhood’s stance towards
nonconformists, individuals, and entities. The book reveals the group’s binary view
of the world, categorizing others as allies or adversaries. It ties these relationships
to the Brotherhood’s internal power struggles and self-serving interests.

Global Trends in AI
The third book, Global Trends in AI, explores significant developments in AI and
its impact on various aspects of life, including the economy, society, and
governance. It also offers a comprehensive analysis of technological advancements
in AI, its applications across sectors, the ethical and social challenges it presents,
and its future trajectory.

Automation

The fourth book, Automation and the Future of Competition between Man and
Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision, addresses the growing challenges
faced by the human workforce in the face of widespread automation and AI
applications. The book concludes that while automation presents a significant
challenge to the labor market, it simultaneously creates new opportunities. It
emphasizes the importance of preparing for this shift through skills development,
continuous education, and adopting economic and social policies that support the
workforce.

Prominent pavilion and active presence
The TRENDS’ pavilion at the Indonesia International Book Fair has attracted
numerous visitors, including academic researchers and officials, such as the
ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey. Additionally,
chairpersons of Arab and Indonesian publishers’ associations, authors, publishers,
and students visited the pavilion. All were impressed with and praised TRENDS’ diverse, valuable publications. They also commended TRENDS’ active
international presence and ability to address global developments with rigorous
analytical research.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali honored the esteemed guests, including
ambassadors of the UAE and Bahrain to Indonesia, Wedha Startesti Yudha,
Chairperson of the Indonesia International Book Fair Committee, Arys Hilman
Nugraha, Chairman of the Indonesian Publishers Association, and others,
presenting them with TRENDS’ publications and commemorative shields.
Additionally, he awarded TRENDS’ Research Medal to Ni Made Ayu Martini
Indonesian Deputy Minister of Marketing, Tourism and Creative Economy
It is worth noting that during its current Asian research tour, TRENDS announced
the launch of the TRENDS Research Medal, awarded to individuals who make
significant contributions to the development of scientific research and promote collaboration with TRENDS in strengthening a culture of research across various fields.

World

US determined to prevent full-scale war in Middle East, Joe Biden tells UNGA79

US President Joe Biden highlighted the US Administration’s determination to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire Middle East region, noting that a diplomatic solution “remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely”.

In remarks he made today before the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), the US President said, “Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest,” adding that a diplomatic solution is still possible.

He also touched on “the rise of violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank”, and the need to “set the conditions for a better future”, which he said featured “a two-state solution, where the world — where Israel enjoys security and peace and full recognition and normalised relations with all its neighbours, where Palestinians live in security, dignity, and self-determination in a state of their own”.

President Biden underscored the ceasefire and hostage deal put forth by Qatar and Egypt, which the UN Security Council endorsed. He said, “Now is the time for the parties to finalise its terms, bring the hostages home,” adding that this would help ease the suffering in Gaza, and end the war.

-WAM