Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, ordered bonuses of more than Dh14 million ($3.8m) to be paid to 2,883 Emirati owners of taxi number plates used by the Dubai Taxi Corporation and Taxi Franchise Companies.
The payments – which equates to roughly Dh4,856 each – will be distributed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) alongside annual dues during Ramadan.
Mohammed Al Tayer, director general of the RTA, thanked Sheikh Mohammed for his support of the owners, who are primarily "fixed income earners".
"This bonus is one of several of His Highness’s gestures during Ramadan to enhance the welfare of citizens," said Mr Al Tayer.
"The payments particularly reflect his keenness to support fixed income earners and disadvantaged families."
Ramadan in the UAE:
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Morning prayers on the first day of Ramadan at the Al Salam Mosque in Al Barsha, Dubai. All photos Antonie Robertson / The National -
Mosques reopened this year with strict measures in place. -
They closed last year at the height of the pandemic. -
But this year imams are ready to welcome worshippers in a safe and controlled way. -
Authorities have provided 1.5 million social distancing stickers to places of worship and sent out half a million bottles of sanitiser to keep people safe. -
Taraweeh prayers - performed at night during Ramadan - will be allowed at mosques this year. -
Religious lectures will be held online to prevent mass gatherings. -
Iftar tents outside mosques will not be allowed. -
But the holy month has brought hope of better times to come.
