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 five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
ORDER OF PLAY ON SHOW COURTS
Centre Court - 4pm (UAE)
Gael Monfils (15) v Kyle Edmund
Karolina Pliskova (3) v Magdalena Rybarikova
Dusan Lajovic v Roger Federer (3)
Court 1 - 4pm
Adam Pavlasek v Novak Djokovic (2)
Dominic Thiem (8) v Gilles Simon
Angelique Kerber (1) v Kirsten Flipkens
Court 2 - 2.30pm
Grigor Dimitrov (13) v Marcos Baghdatis
Agnieszka Radwanska (9) v Christina McHale
Milos Raonic (6) v Mikhail Youzhny
Tsvetana Pironkova v Caroline Wozniacki (5)
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
Results:
5pm: Handicap (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,600 metres
Winner: Dasan Da, Saeed Al Mazrooei (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
Winner: AF Saabah, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Handicap (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
Winner: Mukaram, Pat Cosgrave, Eric Lemartinel
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) | Dh80,000 | 2,200m
Winner: MH Tawag, Richard Mullen, Elise Jeanne
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) | Dh70,000 | 1,400m
Winner: RB Inferno, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) | Dh100,000 | 1,600m
Winner: Juthoor, Jim Crowley, Erwan Charpy
Asia Cup Qualifier
Final
UAE v Hong Kong
TV:
Live on OSN Cricket HD. Coverage starts at 5.30am
Libya's Gold
UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.
The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.
Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.
The biog
Name: Greg Heinricks
From: Alberta, western Canada
Record fish: 56kg sailfish
Member of: International Game Fish Association
Company: Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters
Results
5pm: Wadi Nagab – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Al Falaq, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)
5.30pm: Wadi Sidr – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: AF Majalis, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Fakhama, Fernando Jara, Mohamed Daggash
6.30pm: Wadi Shees – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Mutaqadim, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 – Listed (PA) Dh230,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Bahar Muscat, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7.30pm: Wadi Tayyibah – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Poster Paint, Patrick Cosgrave, Bhupat Seemar
The Freedom Artist
By Ben Okri (Head of Zeus)
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Fixtures
Tuesday - 5.15pm: Team Lebanon v Alger Corsaires; 8.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Pharaohs
Wednesday - 5.15pm: Pharaohs v Carthage Eagles; 8.30pm: Alger Corsaires v Abu Dhabi Storms
Thursday - 4.30pm: Team Lebanon v Pharaohs; 7.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Carthage Eagles
Friday - 4.30pm: Pharaohs v Alger Corsaires; 7.30pm: Carthage Eagles v Team Lebanon
Saturday - 4.30pm: Carthage Eagles v Alger Corsaires; 7.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Team Lebanon
BIOSAFETY LABS SECURITY LEVELS
Biosafety Level 1
The lowest safety level. These labs work with viruses that are minimal risk to humans.
Hand washing is required on entry and exit and potentially infectious material decontaminated with bleach before thrown away.
Must have a lock. Access limited. Lab does not need to be isolated from other buildings.
Used as teaching spaces.
Study microorganisms such as Staphylococcus which causes food poisoning.
Biosafety Level 2
These labs deal with pathogens that can be harmful to people and the environment such as Hepatitis, HIV and salmonella.
Working in Level 2 requires special training in handling pathogenic agents.
Extra safety and security precautions are taken in addition to those at Level 1
Biosafety Level 3
These labs contain material that can be lethal if inhaled. This includes SARS coronavirus, MERS, and yellow fever.
Significant extra precautions are taken with staff given specific immunisations when dealing with certain diseases.
Infectious material is examined in a biological safety cabinet.
Personnel must wear protective gowns that must be discarded or decontaminated after use.
Strict safety and handling procedures are in place. There must be double entrances to the building and they must contain self-closing doors to reduce risk of pathogen aerosols escaping.
Windows must be sealed. Air from must be filtered before it can be recirculated.
Biosafety Level 4
The highest level for biosafety precautions. Scientist work with highly dangerous diseases that have no vaccine or cure.
All material must be decontaminated.
Personnel must wear a positive pressure suit for protection. On leaving the lab this must pass through decontamination shower before they have a personal shower.
Entry is severely restricted to trained and authorised personnel. All entries are recorded.
Entrance must be via airlocks.
