Business Extra: Ramadan Edition - How technology helps Muslims observe Ramadan



In today's fast-paced world, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, and religious rituals are no different.

During Ramadan, Muslims around the world increase their engagement with faith through fasting, performing prayers at mosques and reading the Quran.

From checking iftar, suhoor and daily prayer timings to recitations and remembrances, Muslims now depend on many apps to assist them with their rituals and worship.

In this episode of Business Extra, host Cody Combs delves into the intersection of technology and spirituality, and explores how Muslims are using apps to enrich their Ramadan experience.

He interviews Nafees Khundker, the group managing director of Bitsmedia, which owns Muslim Pro app and Muslim streaming service Qalbox, with more than 2.1 million downloads in the UAE and 150 million downloads worldwide.

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The specs: 2019 GMC Yukon Denali

Price, base: Dh306,500
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Power: 420hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 621Nm @ 4,100rpm​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​Fuel economy, combined: 12.9L / 100km

The specs

Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 217hp at 5,750rpm

Torque: 300Nm at 1,900rpm

Transmission: eight-speed auto

Price: from Dh130,000

On sale: now

In numbers: China in Dubai

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

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How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut

Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”

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Updated: March 27, 2024, 2:24 AM