Celebrations in Israel and the Palestinian territories for Ramadan this year will certainly be quieter than before the coronavirus pandemic.
Al Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, a focal destination for Ramadan celebrations and the third holiest site in Islam, will open its doors for prayers as are other mosques throughout Israel and the Palestinian territories.
However, the rules will differ between the West Bank, Gaza and Israel, and Muslims are still awaiting final decisions on some measures during the holy month.
Al Aqsa, believed by Muslims to be the place where Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven, was closed for more than two months last year, including Ramadan, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Along with other holy sites in Jerusalem's Old City, Al Aqsa reopened after an intense vaccination drive by Israeli authorities, who control the city.
There are more coronavirus restrictions in place in Gaza and the West Bank, where cases soared in recent weeks amid limited vaccine provision.
Tight border controls that largely ban foreign visitors will remain in place.
Here is everything you need to know about Ramadan 2021.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic – or Hijri – calendar. It is also believed to be the month the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed.
Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset every day of the month, which is typically either 29 or 30 days.
As well as abstaining from food and drink, Ramadan is also a religious time when Muslims strengthen their faith through prayers, philanthropy and increased recitation of the Quran.
When does Ramadan begin?
Ramadan is expected to start on April 13, though the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem will confirm the date nearer the time.
The announcement by Sheikh Mohammad Hussein will follow the Palestinian Fatwa Council ruling that the new crescent moon has been spotted.
If the crescent moon is visible on the 29th day of Sha’ban, Ramadan begins the following day. If not, Sha'ban will last 30 days and Ramadan will begin thereafter.
On Saturday, the Grand Mufti called on Palestinians to look out for the crescent moon on Monday evening and report their sighting to religious authorities. The start of Ramadan will be announced through Palestinian media.
What are the Covid-19 rules in the Palestinian territories and Israel during Ramadan?
The rules differ in Israel, Gaza and the occupied West Bank, depending on the government that rules it.
What are the rules in the West Bank?
The rules imposed by the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank including its cities, are in place until April 12 when Ramadan is expected to start.
They include a 7pm curfew and a full weekend lockdown, during which only essential businesses such as pharmacies and bakeries are allowed to open.
Mosques were ordered to close on March 14 and a ban has been imposed on public gatherings since March 15.
The West Bank's Palestinian population is approximately three million, with reports of about 2100 coronavirus deaths and almost 183,000 cases reported.
The Ramadan rules imposed by the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank including its cities, will include a curfew from 8pm to 6am.
The curfew and a ban on public gatherings are expected to prevent community iftar and suhoor meals.
Mosques will be open for daily prayer, though Friday prayers will be held outdoors. A general lockdown will be imposed on Fridays, when only bakeries and pharmacies will be allowed to open.
What are the rules in Gaza?
The measures published by Gaza authorities on April 1 included a 9pm curfew and a driving ban at weekends.
Weekly markets are closed, as are wedding halls, while gatherings are banned. The interior ministry said it may have to tighten measures if coronavirus infections continue to rise.
Further measures published by Gaza authorities on April 6 include school closures until further notice and a driving ban until Sunday.
Gaza's population is approximately two million, where deaths from the coronavirus are 642 with 75,375 cases reported.
What are the rules at Al Aqsa?
Because of the religious sensitivities attached to the Al Aqsa mosque compound, which is located in occupied East Jerusalem, Ramadan plans are subject to separate discussions involving Israeli authorities and the Waqf authority, which administers the site.
Cogat, the Israeli military wing responsible for civilian affairs in the West Bank, said that 10,000 vaccinated Palestinians will be allowed to pray at Al Aqsa this Friday
"After 16/04, an additional situation assessment will be carried out to examine the approved outline, taking into account both security and health needs," Cogat statement said.
On March 31, the Waqf called on Muslims to get vaccinated against coronavirus before Ramadan. It also urged worshippers to abide by rules such as wearing face masks and maintaining distance between one another during prayers.
Israeli authorities usually ease border restrictions during Ramadan to allow a greater number of Palestinians to visit Al Aqsa from the West Bank.
What are the rules in Israel?
In late March, the Israeli health ministry said prayers during Ramadan can take place with up to 20 worshippers inside, 50 outside, or a maximum of 50 people if a mosque includes both.
People can gather in larger groups if they have a “green pass”, proving they are vaccinated or have recently recovered from coronavirus.
Shops, restaurants and cafes will be allowed to extend their opening hours during Ramadan to avoid overcrowding, the health ministry said.
In Israel the population is approximately nine million. The coronavirus death toll is 6,261, with about 830,000 cases report.
Ramadan 2021 and Covid-19 restrictions: All you need to know by country
Ramadan 2021 in Egypt
Ramadan 2021 in Iraq
Ramadan 2021 in Jordan
Ramadan 2021 in Lebanon
Ramadan 2021 in Oman
Ramadan 2021 in Saudi Arabia
Ramadan 2021 in Tunisia
Ramadan 2021 in the UAE
Ramadan 2021 in the UK
The biog
DOB: March 13, 1987
Place of birth: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia but lived in Virginia in the US and raised in Lebanon
School: ACS in Lebanon
University: BSA in Graphic Design at the American University of Beirut
MSA in Design Entrepreneurship at the School of Visual Arts in New York City
Nationality: Lebanese
Status: Single
Favourite thing to do: I really enjoy cycling, I was a participant in Cycling for Gaza for the second time this year
Roll of honour 2019-2020
Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners: Dubai Hurricanes
Runners up: Bahrain
West Asia Premiership
Winners: Bahrain
Runners up: UAE Premiership
UAE Premiership
}Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes
UAE Division One
Winners: Abu Dhabi Saracens
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes II
UAE Division Two
Winners: Barrelhouse
Runners up: RAK Rugby
Match info
Manchester United 1
Fred (18')
Wolves 1
Moutinho (53')
Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.
Based: Riyadh
Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany
Founded: September, 2020
Number of employees: 70
Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions
Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds
Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20Tabby%3Cbr%3EFounded%3A%20August%202019%3B%20platform%20went%20live%20in%20February%202020%3Cbr%3EFounder%2FCEO%3A%20Hosam%20Arab%2C%20co-founder%3A%20Daniil%20Barkalov%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20Payments%3Cbr%3ESize%3A%2040-50%20employees%3Cbr%3EStage%3A%20Series%20A%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Arbor%20Ventures%2C%20Mubadala%20Capital%2C%20Wamda%20Capital%2C%20STV%2C%20Raed%20Ventures%2C%20Global%20Founders%20Capital%2C%20JIMCO%2C%20Global%20Ventures%2C%20Venture%20Souq%2C%20Outliers%20VC%2C%20MSA%20Capital%2C%20HOF%20and%20AB%20Accelerator.%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Bio
Ram Buxani earned a salary of 125 rupees per month in 1959
Indian currency was then legal tender in the Trucial States.
He received the wages plus food, accommodation, a haircut and cinema ticket twice a month and actuals for shaving and laundry expenses
Buxani followed in his father’s footsteps when he applied for a job overseas
His father Jivat Ram worked in general merchandize store in Gibraltar and the Canary Islands in the early 1930s
Buxani grew the UAE business over several sectors from retail to financial services but is attached to the original textile business
He talks in detail about natural fibres, the texture of cloth, mirrorwork and embroidery
Buxani lives by a simple philosophy – do good to all
RESULT
Los Angeles Galaxy 2 Manchester United 5
Galaxy: Dos Santos (79', 88')
United: Rashford (2', 20'), Fellaini (26'), Mkhitaryan (67'), Martial (72')
Roll of honour: Who won what in 2018/19?
West Asia Premiership: Winners – Bahrain; Runners-up – Dubai Exiles
UAE Premiership: Winners – Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners-up – Jebel Ali Dragons
Dubai Rugby Sevens: Winners – Dubai Hurricanes; Runners-up – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Conference: Winners – Dubai Tigers; Runners-up – Al Ain Amblers
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Zayed Sustainability Prize
The biog
Most memorable achievement: Leading my first city-wide charity campaign in Toronto holds a special place in my heart. It was for Amnesty International’s Stop Violence Against Women program and showed me the power of how communities can come together in the smallest ways to have such wide impact.
Favourite film: Childhood favourite would be Disney’s Jungle Book and classic favourite Gone With The Wind.
Favourite book: To Kill A Mockingbird for a timeless story on justice and courage and Harry Potters for my love of all things magical.
Favourite quote: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill
Favourite food: Dim sum
Favourite place to travel to: Anywhere with natural beauty, wildlife and awe-inspiring sunsets.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
FROM%20THE%20ASHES
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Khalid%20Fahad%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Shaima%20Al%20Tayeb%2C%20Wafa%20Muhamad%2C%20Hamss%20Bandar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
PROFILE OF SWVL
Started: April 2017
Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport
Size: 450 employees
Investment: approximately $80 million
Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani
Countdown to Zero exhibition will show how disease can be beaten
Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease, an international multimedia exhibition created by the American Museum of National History in collaboration with The Carter Center, will open in Abu Dhabi a month before Reaching the Last Mile.
Opening on October 15 and running until November 15, the free exhibition opens at The Galleria mall on Al Maryah Island, and has already been seen at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young