When it comes to Ramadan feasts, the culinary variety initially comes to mind. But the annual international photography competition "Capture the Spirit of Ramadan" proves the Holy Month can be a treat for the eyes as well. Here's a primer on the competition and how you can enter.
The contest
Launched during Ramadan last year by the Oman-based StudioBasel for Creative Solutions, the competition aims to showcase the work of professionals and amateurs from across the world.
"It is a platform for all photographers, Muslim as well as non-Muslim, to share their creativity with the world while delivering an intercultural and interfaith message," says the spokeswoman Lina Ali.
Last year, the competition received more than 1,000 entries from 40 countries, including Mauritius and the Virgin Islands.
How it works
The contest is open to all nationalities and faiths. Entrants must be 18 years or over. Submitted photographs should focus on the Ramadan theme, but that doesn't mean only mosque shots or people indulging in iftars. As the competition title suggests, the aim is to "capture the spirit" of the Holy Month in a visual way, so the more creative you are, the better.
Once you are happy with your photograph, send the image with a caption to the competition's email, irpc.2012@gmail.com. The organisers will then post submissions on the contest's Facebook page (facebook.com/RamadanPhotography).
At Ramadan's end, the competition will be judged by a panel of judges (yet to be announced) who will be "looking at the impact and message, creativity, photographic quality, technique and composition", says Ali.
Entrants have until the last day of Ramadan to submit their images. Needless to say, all photographs must be taken during the current Holy Month.
Why Ramadan?
As well as being Islam's holiest month, Ramadan also offers a colourful window into the fasting, lives and customs of more than one billion worshippers.
"For example, in the Gulf, there is Qaranqasho, a family celebration during Ramadan where children visit neighbours for treats, similar to the concept of Halloween. And in Indonesia there is the Haj act, where children circle a mock Kaaba to learn about and prepare for their pilgrimage to Mecca in the future," Ali says. "On a social level, the community sense of iftar gatherings, communal taraweeh prayers at mosques worldwide and family visits to the elderly and relatives also add to the colourful fabric of Ramadan."
Restrictions
It would be a shame to capture the month's spiritual and cultural splendour through a mobile phone's lens - hence the competition's ban on using them. "This competition is meant for professional and amateur photographers, so naturally they will have decent equipment," says Ali. "We are not looking for just snapshots, but creative, quality photographs."
The prizes
The winner walks away with US$2,000 (Dh7,340); those in second and third place receive $1,000 and $500 respectively. Three Viewers Choice awards will also be handed to entrants with the most "likes" on the competition's Facebook page; they will receive $200 each. Honourable Mentions will also be given to two entrants (no cash prize). The winners will be announced in the last week of September via Facebook and email.
The compilation
If you don't want to spend your Ramadan taking snaps but want to be part of the competition, you can purchase the Capture the Spirit of Ramadan book, which features more than 120 images from last year's competition.
For more information, visit www.capturethespiritoframadan.org
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MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
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Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
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The Details
Article 15
Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
If you go:
Getting there:
Flying to Guyana requires first reaching New York with either Emirates or Etihad, then connecting with JetBlue or Caribbean Air at JFK airport. Prices start from around Dh7,000.
Getting around:
Wildlife Worldwide offers a range of Guyana itineraries, such as its small group tour, the 15-day ‘Ultimate Guyana Nature Experience’ which features Georgetown, the Iwokrama Rainforest (one of the world’s four remaining pristine tropical rainforests left in the world), the Amerindian village of Surama and the Rupununi Savannah, known for its giant anteaters and river otters; wildlifeworldwide.com
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More on Quran memorisation:
MATCH INFO
Real Madrid 2 (Benzema 13', Kroos 28')
Barcelona 1 (Mingueza 60')
Red card: Casemiro (Real Madrid)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
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Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
The specs
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North Pole stats
Distance covered: 160km
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Weight of equipment: 45kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 0
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Distance covered: 130km
Temperature: -50°C
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Specs
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
The 12 breakaway clubs
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
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THE SPECS
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