Technology is enabling new Ramadan traditions beyond breaking the fast with friends and family on Zoom, with many UAE organisations offering programmes to deepen religious knowledge and faith during an unprecedented time.
Some 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide are observing the holy month amid strict social distancing restrictions to tackle the Covid-19 crisis.
Almir Smajlovic, a volunteer khateeb, the reader of the sermon, and a speaker on religious issues in Dubai, said Muslims around the world turn to learning about their faith during Ramadan.
He said technology has enabled people to continue their journey of learning about their faith, even as the coronavirus pandemic has meant in-person lectures or prayers are not possible this month.
"There are so many reminders for people through webinars, lectures or online sessions. There are things geared towards people of all ages," said Mr Smajlovic.
During these testing times, the tradition of reflection and knowledge sharing continues, thanks to digital and emerging technologies
He advised people to research, listen to question and answer sessions, and increase their knowledge.
Dubai Future Academy, an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation, has moved online for its Ramadan Pioneer Series, now in its third year, under the title ‘Life after the coronavirus (Covid-19)’. The interactive series is convening futurists and experts to test and share their ideas on how to tackle the pandemic, while allowing the public to interact with pioneers in the UAE and globally.
“During these testing times, the tradition of reflection and knowledge sharing continues, thanks to digital and emerging technologies – a powerful reminder of just how connected we are to one another,” Saeed Al Gergawi, head of Dubai Future Academy, said.
Speakers range from ministers and academics including Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, chief executive of Alliances for Global Sustainability, Sara Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, and Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri, secretary general at the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi.
Or worshippers can tune in to NYU Abu Dhabi Institute’s past talks, which it posted on YouTube just in time for Ramadan “in the spirit of fraternity”. Several lectures delve deeper into Islamic tradition, Arabic philosophy or a better understanding of the natural world.
Ahmed Hamed, a spokesperson at Al Manar Centre, a nonprofit in Dubai, said technology had ensured they could bring together speakers from different corners of the globe for lectures.
The centre will organise sessions on Zoom through Ramadan on weekends where scholars will discuss messages of hope and positivity.
While they have reached 60,000 viewers in the first weekend, they aim to reach 200,000 people by the end of the month.
Al Salam Islamic Centre, a private, non-profit Islamic Centre for women based in Dubai, is running several e-learning courses aimed at women.
"With the help and favour of God, technology has kept the classes possible and people are interested in the online lessons,” a spokesperson at Al Salam Islamic Centre said.
The centre has organised a programme called ‘Ramadan with Joy’ with classes held on different topics such as the names of Allah, the Quran and prayers every day of the week.
Sessions are held in Arabic and in English, with students having the option of live or recorded lessons.
"Technology has helped us as people across the world, even former students who may have moved out of Dubai, have come closer through these channels.
"There is a lot of bonding and sisterhood, with people coming together through these mediums."
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Producer: Ronnie Screwvala
Director: Akarsh Khurana
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar
Rating: 4/5
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The struggle is on for active managers
David Einhorn closed out 2018 with his biggest annual loss ever for the 22-year-old Greenlight Capital.
The firm’s main hedge fund fell 9 per cent in December, extending this year’s decline to 34 percent, according to an investor update viewed by Bloomberg.
Greenlight posted some of the industry’s best returns in its early years, but has stumbled since losing more than 20 per cent in 2015.
Other value-investing managers have also struggled, as a decade of historically low interest rates and the rise of passive investing and quant trading pushed growth stocks past their inexpensive brethren. Three Bays Capital and SPO Partners & Co., which sought to make wagers on undervalued stocks, closed in 2018. Mr Einhorn has repeatedly expressed his frustration with the poor performance this year, while remaining steadfast in his commitment to value investing.
Greenlight, which posted gains only in May and October, underperformed both the broader market and its peers in 2018. The S&P 500 Index dropped 4.4 per cent, including dividends, while the HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index, an early indicator of industry performance, fell 7 per cent through December. 28.
At the start of the year, Greenlight managed $6.3 billion in assets, according to a regulatory filing. By May, the firm was down to $5.5bn.
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
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Countries offering golden visas
UK
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Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
The Little Things
Directed by: John Lee Hancock
Starring: Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Jared Leto
Four stars
The Bio
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Favourite place to relax in UAE: the desert around Al Mleiha in Sharjah or the eastern mangroves in Abu Dhabi
The one book everyone should read: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It will make your mind fly
Favourite documentary: Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski. It's a good reality check about one of the most valued ecosystems for humanity
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Juliet, Naked
Dir: Jesse Peretz
Starring: Chris O'Dowd, Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke
Two stars
