Eid Al Fitr cannons were fired across the UAE to mark the end of Ramadan.
They were fired on Sunday night at several locations on the last day of the holy month to signify that Muslims can stop fasting until the next Ramadan.
The ceremonies also heralded the start of Eid Al Fitr.
A cannon was fired at Abu Dhabi’s oldest building, Qasr Al Hosn, to signal prayers and to break the day’s fast.
In Dubai, The National was at Burj Park, where police officers fired the shots at iftar time.
People gathered at both locations to watch the cannon firing
Officers fire two rounds to announce the beginning and end of the holy month and a single shot at sunset every day during Ramadan.
This year, Dubai Police's iftar cannons operated from 11 locations.
Cannons, which can be heard as far as 10 kilometres away, have been a tradition in UAE since the 1960s.
According to protocol, four officers are present at each firing. Two officers man the cannon, where one passes a blank cartridge, and the other loads it.
Two officers remain at the back as guardians of the cannon and give orders. When it is time for iftar, an officer gives the order and the cannon is fired.
On the last day of Ramadan, Muslims in Dubai offered their prayers at mosques across the emirate and special prayers will be held across the country tomorrow.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre announced that Eid prayer will be held tomorrow at 7am.
Eid Al Fitr will begin on Monday in the UAE, the moon-sighting committee announced on Saturday.
Government employees will have a week-long holiday during Eid Al Fitr, while private-sector workers will have a holiday from Saturday, April 30, until Wednesday, May 4.
Last week, the authorities announced protocols for celebrating Eid Al Fitr.
They include having an active green pass on Al Hosn app; following precautionary measures, such as wearing wear face masks at all times; and maintaining physical distancing when going for Eid prayers.
Prayers must not exceed 20 minutes and the gates of mosques should be opened after dawn prayers.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said the public should give Eid presents through electronic means and people should try to limit celebrations to immediate family members and close friends.
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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.
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Married Malala
Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.
The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.
Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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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.
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