Gather friends and family for suhoor, the meal enjoyed before the fast begins for the day. Restaurants around the UAE have extended their opening hours to accommodate late-night diners throughout Ramadan, with menus available until the early hours in certain locations.
Click through the gallery below to see striking Ramadan decorations around Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
With a buffet, set menu and a la carte options available, there is something for everyone on this list, whether you want to try classic Middle Eastern fare, modern fine dining or Mediterranean cuisine. Meals range from a pocket-friendly Dh69 to Dh475, with majlis dining, al fresco terraces and cosy eateries all accounted for.
Here are 15 suhoors to try over the course of the holy month.
Suhoors in Dubai
Asateer Tent, Atlantis, The Palm
The Asateer Tent is welcoming visitors once again this Ramadan, with suhoor served from 10pm until 3am. Enjoy an a la carte selection of hot and cold mezze dishes, soups, grilled meat fish and seafood, and freshly baked breads, as well as delicious seasonal desserts and juices. The minimum spend is Dh170 per person.
A la carte; daily 10pm-3am; 04 426 2626; restaurantreservations@atlantisthepalm.com
Cabana, Address Dubai Mall
Gather friends and family for suhoor with a Burj Khalifa backdrop at The Address Dubai Mall’s Cabana. Middle Eastern a la carte options are available, including mezze dishes, grilled meats and baked goods, straight from the oven. A live oud player will be performing throughout the night and drinks will be available from a roaming Arabic gahwa coffee service.
A la carte; daily 10pm-2am; 04 438 8666; dineatdubaimall@addresshotels.com
Gazebo, Palazzo Versace
Located in the east wing of Palazzo Versace is Gazebo, an outdoor shisha lounge that overlooks one of the Jaddaf Waterfront hotel’s pools. Sample a la carte dining options al fresco, along with a selection of shisha flavours.
A la carte; daily 7.30pm-1am; 04 556 8888
High Note Pool and Sky Lounge, Aloft Al Mina Hotel
The poolside rooftop lounge at the Mankhool hotel is serving a Dh69 set menu for suhoor. Dishes include hot and cold mezze, pita pockets, chicken and mutton kebabs, and a choice of egg dishes. There will also be a selection of 30 shisha flavours to choose between and live music played throughout the night.
Dh69; midnight-3am; Mankhool; 058 591 8153
Local, Tryp by Wyndham
Enjoy the pre-dawn meal at Local at the Tryp by Wyndham hotel in Barsha Heights. The restaurant, which is child-friendly and also welcomes pets, will be serving a menu of a la carte international dishes throughout Ramadan.
A la carte; daily 10pm-midnight; 04 247 6630; info@trypdubai.com; trypwyndhamdubai.com
Moonrise, Eden House
Moonrise, a new home-grown omakase-style restaurant, is serving a specially curated suhoor menu designed by chef-founder Solemann Haddad. The culinary selection will be served in Moonrise style, with dishes that are prepared directly at the counter in front of guests while the chefs guide them through each one of the courses.
Located in Eden House, a luxury residential tower on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, the suhoor menu items include black truffle and bzar, the UAE’s national spice mix. Also on the menu is a dish pairing parmesan and truffle in homage to a cheese samboosa and dates and foie gras puri with saffron and pineapple chutney. Come dessert, a Spanish latte-inspired sweet and yuzu stracciatella are among the choices.
Dh475; daily, 7pm or 9.30pm; 050 697 2946; moon-rise.xyz
Ramadan Majlis, Dubai World Trade Centre
Enjoy suhoor in the splendour of the Ramadan Majlis at Dubai World Trade Centre. The extensive selection features more than 70 dishes. Dine in the main majlis, or book one of the private majlises or gazebos for groups. The menu includes lamb arayes, chicken tikka, and freshly grilled prawns and lobster.
Dh100 minimum spend; Sun-Thu, 9pm-3am, Fri and Sat, 9pm-4am; 800-3982; majlis.ae
Shai Salon, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach’s Shai Salon is serving suhoor daily, with shisha served al fresco on the terrace. Dishes on the a la carte menu include a traditional lentil soup, a hot and cold mezze selection, and mixed grilled meats and fish. It's finished with desserts such Umm Ali, kunafa, red velvet cake and a fruit platter.
A la carte; daily, 8pm-1am; 04 270 7777
The Courtyard, Manzil Downtown
Manzil Downtown is hosting an al fresco suhoor this Ramadan. Dine on a la carte dishes, including traditional lamb ouzi, a barbecue grill, mashawi and traditional hot and cold pastries. There are also live cooking stations to choose from.
A la carte; daily, sunset-2am; 04 428 6888; hithere.manzil@vidahotels.com
The St Regis Dubai, The Palm
The St Regis Dubai on Palm Jumeirah is serving suhoor at Dip Pool Lounge this Ramadan. The a la carte selection includes hot and cold mezze options, a cheese platter, shawarma and falafel sandwiches, a selection of manakish, including labneh, halloumi and akwai cheeses, and grilled dishes. For dessert, there is Umm Ali, baklava, kunafa and toffee pudding.
A la carte; daily 9pm-3am; 04 218 0150; morecravings.com
Thia Sky Lounge, The Dubai Edition
For a Mediterranean suhoor menu, head to Thia Sky Lounge at the recently opened Dubai Edition hotel. For Dh225, guests can enjoy a three-course set menu of hot and cold mezze dishes, seafood main course dishes and a selection of traditional Ramadan juices.
Dh225; daily, sunset until midnight; 04 602 3388; thia-skylounge.com
Suhoors in Abu Dhabi
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Shakshouka, ful medames, lamb makanek, shish taouk and yas mashawi are all on the suhoor menu at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island this Ramadan. Enjoy a soundtrack of live Arabic music as you dine on the dishes, which will be served alongside hot and cold mezze, cheese boards, fruits and decadent desserts.
Dh155; daily, 9pm-1am; 02 208 6900; dineatgraphos@hilton.com
Saraya Tent, Al Raha Beach Hotel
This Ramadan, visit the Saraya Tent at Al Raha Beach Hotel for suhoor. Inside the traditional Arabic tent, a Dh140 set menu will be served, along with an a la carte menu of mezze dishes and a selection of shisha flavours.
Dh140 and a la carte; daily, 8pm-3am; 02 508 0555; fnb.alraha@danathotels.com
Skylight, W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island
Savour suhoor under the stars at Skylight, at the W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island. The menu will be served a la carte from 10pm daily throughout the holy month, with a soundtrack of live Arabic music.
A la carte; daily, 10pm-2am; 02 656 0000
Suhoor in Fujairah
The Restaurant, Address Beach Resort Fujairah
Visit the newly opened Address Beach Resort Fujairah for suhoor this Ramadan. Taking place at The Restaurant, the resort’s eatery is serving a selection of a la carte Middle Eastern dishes, with ambience care of a relaxing Arabic soundtrack and views of the Arabian Gulf.
A la carte; daily, 10pm-2am; 09 204 7777; addresshotels.com/en
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Europe's top EV producers
- Norway (63% of cars registered in 2021)
- Iceland (33%)
- Netherlands (20%)
- Sweden (19%)
- Austria (14%)
- Germany (14%)
- Denmark (13%)
- Switzerland (13%)
- United Kingdom (12%)
- Luxembourg (10%)
Source: VCOe
Sanju
Produced: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Paresh Rawal, Anushka Sharma, Manish’s Koirala, Dia Mirza, Sonam Kapoor, Jim Sarbh, Boman Irani
Rating: 3.5 stars
Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
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MATCH INFO
Fixture: Thailand v UAE, Tuesday, 4pm (UAE)
TV: Abu Dhabi Sports
The years Ramadan fell in May
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
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LA LIGA FIXTURES
Friday Valladolid v Osasuna (Kick-off midnight UAE)
Saturday Valencia v Athletic Bilbao (5pm), Getafe v Sevilla (7.15pm), Huesca v Alaves (9.30pm), Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (midnight)
Sunday Real Sociedad v Eibar (5pm), Real Betis v Villarreal (7.15pm), Elche v Granada (9.30pm), Barcelona v Levante (midnight)
Monday Celta Vigo v Cadiz (midnight)
Can NRIs vote in the election?
Indians residing overseas cannot cast their ballot abroad
Non-resident Indians or NRIs can vote only by going to a polling booth in their home constituency
There are about 3.1 million NRIs living overseas
Indians have urged political parties to extend the right to vote to citizens residing overseas
A committee of the Election Commission of India approved of proxy voting for non-resident Indians
Proxy voting means that a person can authorise someone residing in the same polling booth area to cast a vote on his behalf.
This option is currently available for the armed forces, police and government officials posted outside India
A bill was passed in the lower house of India’s parliament or the Lok Sabha to extend proxy voting to non-resident Indians
However, this did not come before the upper house or Rajya Sabha and has lapsed
The issue of NRI voting draws a huge amount of interest in India and overseas
Over the past few months, Indians have received messages on mobile phones and on social media claiming that NRIs can cast their votes online
The Election Commission of India then clarified that NRIs could not vote online
The Election Commission lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police asking it to clamp down on the people spreading misinformation
How the UAE gratuity payment is calculated now
Employees leaving an organisation are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity after completing at least one year of service.
The tenure is calculated on the number of days worked and does not include lengthy leave periods, such as a sabbatical. If you have worked for a company between one and five years, you are paid 21 days of pay based on your final basic salary. After five years, however, you are entitled to 30 days of pay. The total lump sum you receive is based on the duration of your employment.
1. For those who have worked between one and five years, on a basic salary of Dh10,000 (calculation based on 30 days):
a. Dh10,000 ÷ 30 = Dh333.33. Your daily wage is Dh333.33
b. Dh333.33 x 21 = Dh7,000. So 21 days salary equates to Dh7,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service. Multiply this figure for every year of service up to five years.
2. For those who have worked more than five years
c. 333.33 x 30 = Dh10,000. So 30 days’ salary is Dh10,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service.
Note: The maximum figure cannot exceed two years total salary figure.
Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
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Gully Boy
Director: Zoya Akhtar
Producer: Excel Entertainment & Tiger Baby
Cast: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Kalki Koechlin, Siddhant Chaturvedi
Rating: 4/5 stars
The five pillars of Islam
65
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10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Jawan
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Results
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: Nadhra, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: AF Dars, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: AF Musannef, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: AF Taghzel, Malin Holmberg, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: M’Y Yaromoon, Khalifa Al Neyadi, Jesus Rosales
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (PA) 1,400m; Winner: Hakeem, Jim Crowley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Country-size land deals
US interest in purchasing territory is not as outlandish as it sounds. Here's a look at some big land transactions between nations:
Louisiana Purchase
If Donald Trump is one who aims to broker "a deal of the century", then this was the "deal of the 19th Century". In 1803, the US nearly doubled in size when it bought 2,140,000 square kilometres from France for $15 million.
Florida Purchase Treaty
The US courted Spain for Florida for years. Spain eventually realised its burden in holding on to the territory and in 1819 effectively ceded it to America in a wider border treaty.
Alaska purchase
America's spending spree continued in 1867 when it acquired 1,518,800 km2 of Alaskan land from Russia for $7.2m. Critics panned the government for buying "useless land".
The Philippines
At the end of the Spanish-American War, a provision in the 1898 Treaty of Paris saw Spain surrender the Philippines for a payment of $20 million.
US Virgin Islands
It's not like a US president has never reached a deal with Denmark before. In 1917 the US purchased the Danish West Indies for $25m and renamed them the US Virgin Islands.
Gwadar
The most recent sovereign land purchase was in 1958 when Pakistan bought the southwestern port of Gwadar from Oman for 5.5bn Pakistan rupees.
