Ramadan is a time of joyous celebration and prayers after the daytime fast for Libyans and Muslims around the world.
This year, the holy month provided Libyans with respite amid a political crisis that threatens to undermine peace and stability in the country after many years of civil war, division and chaos since the 2011 Nato-backed uprising that ousted Muammar Qaddafi.
People were eager for a return to normality after two years of intermittent lockdowns and strict restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Now, they have returned to praying in mosques with family and friends late into the night, as well as having iftar 'banquets'.
Libyans are looking towards the future with hope of unity and peace after years of the country being split between rival administrations in the east and west, each supported by an array of militias and foreign governments.
But while people are enjoying Ramadan, life in the country remains a struggle for much of Libya, with its fragmented economy and soaring prices.
Despite Libya having Africa’s biggest oil reserves, its businesses and people struggle to carry out basic financial transactions because of its stark political divisions.
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
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WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
UAE v Ireland
1st ODI, UAE win by 6 wickets
2nd ODI, January 12
3rd ODI, January 14
4th ODI, January 16
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
