Dubai attracts 4.75 million tourists in the first quarter of 2019. Jeff Topping / The National
Dubai attracts 4.75 million tourists in the first quarter of 2019. Jeff Topping / The National
Dubai attracts 4.75 million tourists in the first quarter of 2019. Jeff Topping / The National
Dubai attracts 4.75 million tourists in the first quarter of 2019. Jeff Topping / The National

You may be set for a longer wait to break your fast at Burj Khalifa, says top scientist


Gillian Duncan
  • English
  • Arabic

If you are lucky enough to eat iftar at a restaurant in Burj Khalifa this Ramadan, you may have to be extra patient in breaking your fast – and it has nothing to do with the speed of the service.

That is because the sun appears to set later the higher you go up the world's tallest tower, according to the famous astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson.

And at levels 154 and 122, The Lounge, the world’s tallest lounge, and At.mosphere, the highest restaurant, are both a very long way up.

“During Ramadan, daytime fasting for Muslims ends at sunset,” wrote Mr Tyson on Twitter.

“But for Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, the Sun sets four minutes later at the top than at the bottom. High-floor dwellers see beyond the ground-level horizon, farther along Earth’s curvature.”

Ramadan is expected to be called on Sunday evening, making Monday, May 6 the first day of the holy month.

It is the ninth month of the Islamic, or Hijri calendar, and the holiest month for Muslims, who believe it is when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
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Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.