A Closer Look: How has the UAE embraced the spirit of Ramadan in 2023?


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A Closer Look is The National's show where we take an in-depth look at one of the main stories of the week.

Throughout Ramadan, a number of generous initiatives have been launched to help the less fortunate both within the UAE and across the world.

From 3 dirham meals for labourers in Sharjah, to the One Billion Meals endowment aimed at perpetually feeding the hungry all over the world, the UAE has displayed the spirit of giving best associated with Ramadan.

The National reporter Ali Al Shouk speaks to host Sarah Forster about the charitable endeavours seen throughout the holy month.

Read more

Eid Al Fitr holiday announced for UAE private sector

Abu Dhabi charity auction raises more than Dh71m for One Billion Meals Endowment

Dh3 meals - in pictures

  • Dh3 meals are prepared at the Food ATM factory in Ajman. Pawan Singh / The National
    Dh3 meals are prepared at the Food ATM factory in Ajman. Pawan Singh / The National
  • People buy their Dh3 meals at the Food ATM base. Pawan Singh / The National
    People buy their Dh3 meals at the Food ATM base. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Staff prepare food boxes. Pawan Singh / The National
    Staff prepare food boxes. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The company buys food that is nearing its expiry date to keep costs low. Pawan Singh / The National
    The company buys food that is nearing its expiry date to keep costs low. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Ayesha Khan runs Food ATM. Pawan Singh / The National
    Ayesha Khan runs Food ATM. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Meals being prepared. Pawan Singh / The National
    Meals being prepared. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Naser Al Islam, from Bangladesh, awaits his free iftar meal at Al Sajaa Labour Park in Sharjah. Photo: Ali Al Shouk / The National
    Naser Al Islam, from Bangladesh, awaits his free iftar meal at Al Sajaa Labour Park in Sharjah. Photo: Ali Al Shouk / The National
  • The nightly distribution of free meals during Ramadan has been a lifeline for many labourers on low salaries. Photo: Ali Al Shouk / The National
    The nightly distribution of free meals during Ramadan has been a lifeline for many labourers on low salaries. Photo: Ali Al Shouk / The National
  • Workers say they often arrive an hour early to book a spot and get an iftar meal. Ali Al Shouk / The National
    Workers say they often arrive an hour early to book a spot and get an iftar meal. Ali Al Shouk / The National
Ways to control drones

Countries have been coming up with ways to restrict and monitor the use of non-commercial drones to keep them from trespassing on controlled areas such as airports.

"Drones vary in size and some can be as big as a small city car - so imagine the impact of one hitting an airplane. It's a huge risk, especially when commercial airliners are not designed to make or take sudden evasive manoeuvres like drones can" says Saj Ahmed, chief analyst at London-based StrategicAero Research.

New measures have now been taken to monitor drone activity, Geo-fencing technology is one.

It's a method designed to prevent drones from drifting into banned areas. The technology uses GPS location signals to stop its machines flying close to airports and other restricted zones.

The European commission has recently announced a blueprint to make drone use in low-level airspace safe, secure and environmentally friendly. This process is called “U-Space” – it covers altitudes of up to 150 metres. It is also noteworthy that that UK Civil Aviation Authority recommends drones to be flown at no higher than 400ft. “U-Space” technology will be governed by a system similar to air traffic control management, which will be automated using tools like geo-fencing.

The UAE has drawn serious measures to ensure users register their devices under strict new laws. Authorities have urged that users must obtain approval in advance before flying the drones, non registered drone use in Dubai will result in a fine of up to twenty thousand dirhams under a new resolution approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.

Mr Ahmad suggest that "Hefty fines running into hundreds of thousands of dollars need to compensate for the cost of airport disruption and flight diversions to lengthy jail spells, confiscation of travel rights and use of drones for a lengthy period" must be enforced in order to reduce airport intrusion.

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Updated: March 06, 2024, 8:10 AM