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-Top News Ramadan UAE News

UAE leaders share Ramadan greetings

President Sheikh Mohamed greeted for continued good health and well-being, and further progress and prosperity…reports Asian Lite News

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent congratulatory messages to the Kings, Emirs and Presidents of Arab and Islamic nations on the advent of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Sheikh Mohamed wished the leaders and their peoples continued good health and well-being, and further progress and prosperity for Arab and Islamic nations.

He also had phone calls with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain; King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of Jordan; Egyptian President Abdul Fatah el-Sisi; and President of Tunisia Kais Saied.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, sent similar messages to Arab and Muslim leaders and people on the occasion.

Rulers of Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al-Quwain have sent cables of congratulations to President Sheikh Mohamed.

They wished further welfare and progress for the UAE and good health for President Sheikh Mohamed, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, and the Supreme Council Members.

Ramadan pardons

Sheikh Mohammed has ordered the release of 971 prisoners of different nationalities from Dubai’s correctional and punitive establishments, ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Attorney General of Dubai Chancellor Essam Issa Al Humaidan said the pardon reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s keenness to reunite the pardoned individuals with their families during the Holy Month. The pardon gives the released prisoners an opportunity to get a fresh start in life and reintegrate into the community, he added.

Dubai Public Prosecution, in collaboration with Dubai Police, has already commenced the legal procedures to implement Sheikh Mohammed’s order, Al Humaidan said.

“As the holy month of Ramadan begins, I wish you all a blessed month of reflection and pray that God continues to grant peace and harmony to the people of the UAE and the world.”
—-Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed

Ajman Ruler Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi has issued an order for the release of 135 prisoners who have demonstrated good conduct during their incarceration in Ajman’s correctional and punitive facilities.

Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, has ordered the release of 399 prisoners.

RAK Ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi has ordered the release of 338 prisoners and Fujairah Ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi released 151 prisoners. UAQ Ruler Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla also pardoned a number of prisoners.

Zero food waste during Ramadan

Under the directives of Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Food Bank has initiated a campaign to provide 3 million meals and food parcels to disadvantaged individuals and families both in the UAE and abroad during the holy month of Ramadan.

In collaboration with various partners, the UAE Food Bank, affiliated with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has announced its initiatives for the Holy Month of Ramadan. Besides distributing three million donated meals, these initiatives are aimed at managing food surplus, reducing wastage, and providing sustenance to those in need both within and beyond the UAE. The organisation also seeks to raise public awareness regarding the crucial goal of achieving zero food waste.

Dubai community initiatives

Reflecting the spirit of giving that marks the Holy Month of Ramadan, ENOC Group unveiled a series of community initiatives that aim to benefit more than 400,000 less privileged people across the Emirate of Dubai.

ENOC Group is expanding and strengthening the reach of its Ramadan Aman campaign this year by partnering with Al Ihsan Charity Association to distribute 200,000 Iftar meal boxes to ensure that people who are stuck at traffic signals can break their fast on time.

“Congratulations to the people of the Emirates and to all the Arab and Islamic peoples on the occasion of the blessed month of Ramadan. May God bring it back to us and you with goodness, mercy, security and faith.”
—-Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

On 10th April, apart from Dubai, ENOC’s employees will also distribute Iftar boxes across Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain.

Under the Ramadan Grocery Distribution initiative in collaboration with Zoom, 50,000 individuals in labour camps will receive a selection of essential grocery items for 14 days during Ramadan this year. ENOC volunteers will pack the grocery boxes which will be delivered from 23rd March to 5th April.

Through its long-standing partner, Beit Al Kheir, ENOC Group will distribute 10,000 Ramadan iftar meals during the last two weeks of the Holy Month to people in need in Dubai. ENOC employees will volunteer their services and help with daily distribution at labour camps in the emirate.

ALSO READ: Ramadan Mubarak

Categories
-Top News Ramadan UAE News

Ahlan Ramadan

The Muslims all over the world is gearing up to embrace the holy month of Ramadan with the sighting of the crescent moon…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE moon-sighting committee is scheduled to convene today (29th Sha’ban), following the Maghreb prayer at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, to determine the commencement of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Presided over by Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, the meeting will be attended by several high-ranking officials.

The Shariah courts across the country will monitor and notify the committee of any sightings, while the Lunar Calendar Committee at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department will continue to gather evidence and report its findings to the Moon-Sighting Committee.

Pardon for 1025 prisoners

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the release of 1,025 prisoners serving various sentences in the UAE, ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The move comes as part of President Mohamed’s humanitarian initiatives and is reflective of the values of forgiveness and tolerance to give pardoned inmates an opportunity to start a new life and ease the suffering of their families.

Sheikh Mohamed’s annual pardon ahead of the month of Ramadan aims to enhance family cohesion, brings about happiness to mothers and children and provides released prisoners with an opportunity to re-think their future and return to the righteous path that allows them to lead a successful social and professional life.

Ramadan packages

Marihub, the pioneer developer and operator of ship supplies platforms, will provide Ramadan packages, including food and high-quality personal care products, to seafarers as a gesture to support the Salmeen initiative launched by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI).

The Ministry launched Salmeen in June 2022 to support seafarers in the maritime sector and guarantee that their needs are fulfilled, deeming them as one of the most significant pillars of international trade. The initiative aims to improve the quality of life of seafarers and support them, as per the UAE Government’s Excellence Model.

Commenting on the announcement, Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said, “The UAE is one of the global leaders when it comes to humanitarian work. Humans are the centre of our attention, and we don’t limit ourselves to offering scattered aid alone.”

“The nation’s work model is aligned to provide better support to people. That is why, the country was the first in the world to assist stranded seafarers during the peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic to safely return home, while adhering to the highest safety requirements.”

“We also launched several initiatives focused on protecting seafarers and their rights, such as ‘Supporting our Blue Army’. As part of the initiative, ship management companies and owners were asked to provide mandatory health and life insurance to seafarers. As a result, we can confidently say that the UAE protects seafarers’ rights and encourages workplace safety and provision of quality of life,” she added.

Osama Al Arabi, Executive Director of Support Services and Co-Partner of Marihub, stated, “To support the Ministry’s efforts in improving the quality of life for seafarers, and in honour of the holy month of Ramadan, we will donate special packages containing a comprehensive selection of food and personal care products.”

“These packages are specially designed for seafarers who work for several days on ships. Our focus is on providing integrated food items that will help enhance the seafarers’ ability to work during fasting hours, ultimately improving their quality of life, and creating a more comfortable and suitable working environment”

“More than 80 percent of global trade is transported via sea, yet traditional methods continue to dominate many aspects of the maritime industry, such as the supply of food and personal care products to seafarers. This often results in difficulties in providing sufficient quantities of products, directly impacting the quality of life for seafarers.”

“To address this issue, we have launched the Marihub platform, offering a comprehensive solution to ship operation and management companies and owners. The platform provides access to the best food and health supplies, as well as services such as refuelling, lubricating oil, and spare parts,” Al Arabi added.

Marihub recently signed an agreement with MoEI to develop digital platforms that help in digitalising the operations of the maritime sector, increasing its operational efficiency and reducing expenses.

ALSO READ: Remote work for UAE govt workers during Ramadan

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Ramadan UAE News

EID IN THE UAE

Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and the Rulers of the Emirates, and the Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers, extended their greetings to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr

Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and the Rulers of the Emirates, and the Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers, extended their greetings to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr, wishing him good health and happiness to continue the path of giving, progress and development for the benefit of the country.

This came during a reception hosted today by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; to Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and the Rulers of the Emirates, and Their Highnesses the Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers, at Al Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi.

ALSO READ:

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed received H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah; H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain; and H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

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Arab News Qatar Ramadan

Qatar Tourism to host Eid Al Fitr Fest

The Eid Al Fitr festival from May 3-5 along Doha Corniche is coordinated with the Ministry of Interior and Ashghal to manage logistical routes at the location

In celebration of Eid al Fitr this year, Qatar Tourism (QT) will host the Eid Festival along the Doha Corniche from Tuesday, May 3 to Thursday, May 5 between 4-11pm each day.  In addition to the region’s first-ever giant balloon parade with a marching band, festival goers are sure to find something for every member of the family – from stage performances and roaming artists to carnival games and food trucks and kiosks followed by fireworks displays that will light up the Doha sky every day at 9pm. The event is coordinated with the Ministry of Interior and Ashghal to manage logistical routes at the location.

Over the course of the festival, the Doha Corniche will be pedestrianised to allow residents and visitors to experience one of the capital city’s most-loved thoroughfares in a new and exciting way. QT is working with its partners at the Ministry of Interior and Ashghal to deliver safe proceedings throughout the Eid Al-Fitr festivities taking place along a 1.4 km stretch of the Doha Corniche. Moreover, during the three-day festival, there will be live musical performances daily at 19:30 featuring renowned local and regional artists.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) announced that Doha Corniche Street will be temporary closed from 3 to 5 May, specifically from Tuesday early morning to Thursday midnight. The reopening of traffic will resume on the morning of May 6th in coordination with MoI’s General Directorate of Traffic and the Ministry of Transport.

As per this announcement, traffic closure will go into effect starting 3 May from the Sharq intersection towards the Sheraton intersection in the north and from the Sheraton intersection to the Port intersection in the south, and all roads leading to corniche will be closed, including the following intersections: (Al-Fardan, Al-Jasra, Al-Marmar, Al-Diwan, Al-Maha, Civil Defense and Barzan).

ALSO READ: UAE announces weeklong Eid al-Fitr holiday for Federal entities

In order to facilitate movement of individuals to corniche, alternative means of transportation will be available. There are 37 metro stations in Qatar, including 7 that directly lead to Corniche such as (Al-Bidda, Doha Corniche, and West Bay), in addition the second ring road and the third ring bus service on the Corniche. There will also be areas designated for pedestrians, and 7 new facilities for “Park and Ride” available near the metro stations such as the Education City, Al-Qassar, and Al-Wakra.

The Ministry of Interior encourages the public to cooperate with traffic police and abide by traffic diversions to ensure the safety and security to all those using the Corniche Road. It also advises the use of alternative roads designated for vehicles, namely the A-Ring Road and Istiqlal Road.

Engineer Mohamed Ali Al Marri, the Secretary of the Committee for Corniche Street closure implementation plan and Design Engineer: “Ashghal, in coordination with MOI is planning, designing, and implementing the Corniche closure plan, in addition to carrying out some infrastructure works to enhance traffic flow during the closure period. The Supervisory Committee of beautification of Roads & Public Places is working on beautifying and upgrading Al Corniche Street to provide upgraded pedestrian paths, new cycle lanes, new street lighting and increase the landscaped areas. There are also additional pedestrian crossings along Corniche Street and Al Bidda Street. During closure, Ashghal will provide 17 new bus stops for the Corniche Shuttle Bus Routes which will have 25 bus stops, along with about 55 Variable message signs and fixed directional signs across the road network to lead drivers to the alternative routes. Also, over 200 wayfinding signs will be provided to guide visitors along the Corniche.”

This is in addition to developing several intersections and reprogramming the traffic signals timings to ease traffic flow. Furthermore, 40 traffic signal intersections will be upgraded to operate with pedestrian detection system to improve pedestrian safety.

Categories
-Top News Ramadan UAE News

UAE announces weeklong Eid al-Fitr holiday for Federal entities

The UAE Cabinet has approved a weeklong Eid al-Fitr holiday for all federal government entities operating across the country…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE Cabinet has approved a weeklong Eid al-Fitr holiday for all federal government entities operating across the country, starting from Saturday, 30th April through Friday, 6th May, 2022, with federal employees to resume duties on Monday, 9th May, 2022.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation earlier announced that the period from 29th Ramadan through 3rd Shawwal 1443 will be a paid Eid holiday for all private sector workers. (WAM)

ALSO READ: May 2 is first day of Eid al-Fitr: Astronomical Centre

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-Top News Arab News Ramadan

May 2 is first day of Eid al-Fitr: Astronomical Centre

The International Astronomical Centre said 2nd May will be the first day of Eid al-Fitr in most countries, as the crescent of Shawwal 1443 A.H. will be seen on Saturday, 30th April, corresponding to 29 Ramadan…reports Asian Lite News

Muhammad Shawkat Odeh, Director of the Centre, noted that in countries that began Ramadan on Sunday, 3rd April, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Jordan, Morocco and Ghana, the crescent of Shawwal will be seen on Sunday, 1st May.

He added that in countries that will witness the crescent on Saturday, April 30th, seeing the crescent on that day will be impossible because the moon will set before the sun and, therefore, these countries will have completed 30 days of Ramadan, so Eid al-Fitr will start on 2nd May 2022.

ALSO READ: Best ways to observe month of Ramadan in Dubai

In countries that will witness the crescent on 1st May, sighting the moon that day will not be possible in Australia and neighbouring regions but will be possible via telescope in Central and West Asia, most of Europe, and Southern Africa.

Categories
-Top News Ramadan Sharjah

Sharjah police, airport distribute Iftar meals during Ramadan

The initiative came to consolidate the concept of community partnership and positive support for stability, tolerance and fraternity values among all segments of society…reports Asian Lite News

The General Command of Sharjah Police, in cooperation with the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), has carried out a community initiative since the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan by distributing Iftar meals to traffic intersections in the cities of the emirate, and fields during the Iftar period, such as the Iftar cannon at Al Majaz Waterfront.

The initiative came to consolidate the concept of community partnership and positive support for stability, tolerance and fraternity values among all segments of society.

ALSO READ: Ramadan Nights 2022 kicks off at Expo Centre Sharjah

Lt. Col. Mohammed Al Dhahouri, Head of the Public Relations Department of Sharjah Police: “The distribution of Iftar meals is one of the annual initiatives organised by the Sharjah Police General Headquarters with the advent of the Holy Month of Ramadan, which mirrors the noble values that the holy month calls for, and enhances the values and principles of Social responsibility and culture of goodness that is deeply-rooted Emiratis.”

Sharjah airport

In line with its directives to furnish the best services to customers and facilitate their experience during Ramadan, Sharjah Airport has taken an initiative to provide Iftar meals to all the travellers at the airport.

This initiative aims at nurturing the spirit of solidarity and community during the holy month and bring joy to everyone traveling through Sharjah Airport by supporting them and facilitating their travel procedures in any way possible.

Through this initiative, the airport is representing and consolidating the Emirati society’s deeply rooted values and customs, WAM reported.

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Arab News News Ramadan

Eid Al Fitr to fall on May 2

Eid Al Fitr is forecast to fall on May 2nd, the Emirates Astronomical Society (EAS) announced today…reports Asian Lite News

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, EAS’ Board Chairman, said that the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar is predicted to fall on Monday, May 2nd, 2022.

The UAE moon-sighting committee will convene to confirm the official starting date for Eid.

ALSO READ: Ramadan Nights 2022 kicks off at Expo Centre Sharjah

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Ramadan Sharjah UAE News

Ramadan Nights 2022 kicks off at Expo Centre Sharjah

The shopping experience at Ramadan Nights will be enhanced by the opportunity to win a luxury Suzuki Jimny as well as other valuable prizes in various raffle draws held throughout the exhibition…reports Asian Lite News

Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the Expo Centre Sharjah on Tuesday for the opening of the ‘Ramadan Nights 2022’ exhibition, the perfect shopping, entertainment, culinary, and cultural destination, scheduled to operate for 15 days throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

The event which is slated to run until 26th April, brings with it big surprises and massive discounts of up 75 percent on a wide range of products amid a pleasant atmosphere, and is one of the largest shopping exhibitions in the region, showcasing over 200 leading retailers and 25 international brands.

Organised by the Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Ramadan Nights 2022 will also feature a plethora of activities and events, including cultural, heritage, religious and health awareness programs, spanning over an area of 15,000 square meters.

In addition, visitors can enjoy delicious local, Arab, and international cuisines at Iftar Corner, pay a visit to the Heritage Village, which features a variety of traditional products such as handicrafts, incense, Ramadan dishes, and drinks, or go to the gaming arena that provides a host of entertainment activities suitable for the entire family.

ALSO READ: Saudi extends use of Eatmarna app for Ramadan pilgrimage

The shopping experience at Ramadan Nights will be enhanced by the opportunity to win a luxury Suzuki Jimny as well as other valuable prizes in various raffle draws held throughout the exhibition. Visitors and shoppers must spend a minimum of AED 200 to be eligible for the draw, which also includes the chance to win purchase vouchers and gifts through different contests.

Brand Bazaar, Nine West, Naturalizer, Hush Puppies, Baby Shop, Kiabi, Toms, X-Pearse One, Al Mandoos Trading Company, and Home Style are among the several other retailers and brands participating in this year’s Ramadan Nights, providing a wide range of products and goods on offer, including clothing, jewellery, cosmetics, shoes, bags, perfumes, healthcare products, electronic goods, household appliances, furnishings, interiors, textiles, sports equipment, and toys.

Ramadan Nights will open its doors to visitors from 17:00 until 1:00 throughout the holy month. (WAM)

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Arab News News Ramadan

Soaring prices derail family budget in Middle East

Mideast countries feel pinch of soaring food prices during Ramadan. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which came at a time when economies worldwide are still grappling with the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, also poses a challenge to regional food security

 Rising food prices and a worsening economic situation have forced many Middle Eastern families to limit their Ramadan budgets, resulting in lower meat purchases and other traditionally popular food.

During the holy fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims usually make various kinds of food for the fast-breaking meal, known as Iftar. This year, with the Russia-Ukraine conflict compounding the economic difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there are fewer choices for many families in the Middle East.

 Rana Itani, a 34-year-old divorced resident of Beirut, said she could no longer afford the food that her two kids are fond of due to Lebanon’s ongoing economic woes.

“My parents provide me with food now. They either send it to me or my kids, and I go to their place,” Itani, who works as a secretary at a private company in the Lebanese capital, told Xinhua.

Itani, who has been working for the company in Beirut’s Hamra neighborhood for 12 years, is paid 3.5 million LBP (2,308 U.S. dollars) monthly. She also gets 1.5 million LBP from her ex-husband for their children’s school tuition.

“The money I earn is barely enough to cover living, education and health costs … I pay 2 million LBP for the house rental and 1.6 million LBP for power generator fees.” Itani sometimes receives financial help from relatives yet remains short of cash due to the skyrocketing prices of commodities.

“Prices have gone up tremendously … I cannot buy vegetables or fruits. This Ramadan is different,” Itani said, adding that she has been trying to find an extra job to earn more money.

Lebanon has been facing an unprecedented financial crisis amid a shortage of foreign currency reserves, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Beirut port explosions in 2020 that destroyed a big part of the capital city.

In 2021, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia said that the poverty rate in Lebanon was up to 74 percent, while the UN Children’s Fund reported that 77 percent of households did not have enough money to buy food.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which came at a time when economies worldwide are still grappling with the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, also poses a challenge to regional food security.

“Many countries rely on supplies from Ukraine and Russia for their food import needs, including numerous least developed countries and low-income food-deficit countries,” Boubaker Ben-Belhassen, director of the trade and markets division of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Disruptions to Ukrainian and Russian grain and oilseed production and exports and restrictions on Russia’s exports can significantly impact global food security, noted Ben-Belhassen.

“FAO’s simulations suggest that international food and feed prices could rise by 8-22 percent above the baseline levels, and the number of undernourished people could increase by 8-13 million people in 2022/23,” he said.

For several weeks, markets in the Gaza Strip have witnessed a remarkable increase in staple food prices, mainly poultry, with the cost of chicken reaching 5.5 U.S. dollars for the first time in years. The item cost 1.5 dollars per kg at most before Ramadan, according to residents.

Soaring prices have made it difficult for many Palestinians to make the meals they prefer during Ramadan.

Sohaila Abdel-Hady, a mother of seven from Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, can’t afford to cook chicken for her family. She chose frozen bovine meat imported from Israel as a cheaper alternative.

In the Egyptian capital Cairo, the family of Mahmoud Ahmed, a 40-year-old security guard at a residential building, has not eaten meat for almost one month.

“We are used to cooking meat, rice and other dishes on the first day of Ramadan, but we have not eaten meat since the beginning of the holy month,” the father of four told Xinhua, complaining of rising prices.

“This Ramadan is not as happy as the previous ones because of lack of money and the surging prices of all goods,” said Ahmed, whose monthly salary is around 200 dollars. “My children want to eat meat and chicken … I can buy 1 or 2 kg of frozen meat for the whole month.”

 To soothe the markets, governments in the region have enacted policies to encounter soaring prices for necessities, including diversifying food imports, increasing food subsidies and lowering food taxes. Some countries have shored up their food stocks and reduced reliance on food imports.

In Egypt, the world’s largest wheat importer, the market price of a ton of flour increased to 11,000 Egyptian pounds (600 dollars) in March, up from 9,000 pounds a month earlier, according to official data.

“A conflict usually impacts the global economy and causes a surge in the price of most commodities, but it mainly affects those countries that import most of their goods,” Abu Nakr al-Deeb, an Egyptian economist, told Xinhua.

He noted that most Middle East countries rely heavily on Russia and Ukraine for food imports, mainly grains, adding that prices will not rapidly return to normal even after the conflict ends.

Al-Deeb said the conflict has raised fuel prices such as gas, oil and coal, posing a great challenge for non-energy-producing countries.

ALSO READ: RAMADAN BUZZ AT TURKISH BAZAARS

“This conflict plunged many countries of the region into a state of stagnation and affected the exchange rate of local currencies against foreign currencies, especially the U.S. dollar,” he said.

The expert said governments in the region have taken a series of measures to maintain the flow of supplies and control the prices of commodities, mainly food.

In Egypt, which imported 80 percent of its wheat from Russia and Ukraine in 2021, the central bank decided to raise the key interest rate by 1 percent for the first time since 2017.

For three months, the Egyptian government has also set a fixed price for unsubsidized bread to ensure food security for those who mainly depend on the staple, al-Deeb noted.

“Such measures can ease the burden,” al-Deeb said, “but still, the crisis is ongoing.”