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Yas Island welcomes Eid with fireworks, music concerts

Yas Island, one of the world’s leading leisure and entertainment destinations, welcomed Eid Al Fitr this year with its iconic fireworks last night…reports Asian Lite News

The Island was illuminated with its festive display and visitors can enjoy the celebratory fireworks at Yas Bay for the next two days on 3rd and 4th May at 21:00.

As part of the destination’s celebration of Eid Al Fitr, Egyptian phenomenon Amr Diab, will take to the stage on Tuesday, 3rd May, while Wednesday, 4th May, will see a duo of performances with popular Egyptian singer and actress, Sherine Abdel Wahab, as well as one of the most successful Arab artists, Kadim Al Sahir.

Throughout the festivities, stringent precautionary measures including social distancing and mandatory facemasks were in place to ensure visitor safety while enjoying the celebrations.

ALSO READ: Jeddah Season 2022 enthrals visitors

Meanwhile, a reception was hosted 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 the Supreme Council Members and the Rulers of the Emirates, and the Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers, at Al Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi.

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.

They also received, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah; along with a number of Sheikhs and senior officials.

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-Top News Arab News UAE News

Jeddah Season 2022 enthrals visitors

2,800 activities in 9 zones over a period of 60 days will offer the visitors of Jeddah an exceptional and diverse season that meets various desires…reports Asian Lite News

The second edition of Jeddah Season 2022 continued its activities for the second day, in the presence of a large number of visitors, as Jeddah Art Promenade zone and the Cirque du Soleil shows zone enjoyed a large turnout of visitors from an early age to enjoy various shows and events.

The events attracted families who enjoyed fireworks shows, circuses, live shows and various events, in addition to restaurants, cafes and integrated services in the event zones for the convenience of visitors.

The events of the Jeddah Season 2022 constituted a unique mixture of diversity that employed the heritage, historic and cultural richness in which Jeddah is distinguished by its global character and new experiences.

2,800 activities in 9 zones over a period of 60 days will offer the visitors of Jeddah an exceptional and diverse season that meets various desires.

Jeddah Season management closely follows up the work and field tasks of the event zones, and works on the comfort of the season’s visitors and facilitates their access to the event zones, as the activities of the second day witnessed a flow of visitors’ movement in the event zones and a precise field organization, despite the intensity of attendance and the season’s coincidence with the blessed Eid al-Fitr.

ALSO READ: Dubai to open UAE’s first robotic biobank

Jeddah Season also offers 70 interactive experiences, more than 60 entertainment games, 7 Arab plays, two international plays, many marine experiences and events, an international circus, 4 international exhibitions, and many other shows and services as well as different options for the visitor to spend the most beautiful time with his/her family in the event zones.

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-Top News Arab News UAE News

‘Season of Joy’ in Jeddah kicks off

The second edition of Jeddah Season 2022 will be launched at Jeddah Art Promenade on the first day of Eid al-Fitr, in a large party that will last for 3 consecutive days, witnessing many diverse shows…reports Asian Lite News

The opening ceremony, which will be held at Jeddah waterfront will witness a variety of drone shows in the first day of the opening, while fireworks will illuminate the Jeddah sky throughout the nights of Eid Al-Fitr and will continue daily for two months to delight the visitors of Jeddah.

The ceremony will also include many activities and artistic shows and interesting entertainment that will form a panel of joy for the audience during the days of the happy Eid.

The opening ceremony coincides with the start of the first international circus shows to be performed by Cirque du Soleil on May 2 at 09:00 pm of the day of Eid, and the show will last for two hours, while the second show will be on Tuesday at the same time, while the next Friday and Saturday will witness two shows of the event from 04:00 pm until 06:00 pm and the second show from 09:00 pm until 11:00 pm, while the remaining of the 9 activities of the season zones will be opened gradually over the next few days.

ALSO READ:Dubai to open UAE’s first robotic biobank

Jeddah Season calendar for this year contains 2,800 events to be held in 9 zones of activities, and includes many international shows, art concerts, Arab and international plays, specialized exhibitions, a mobile game city on the Red Sea shore, international bazaars and many interesting shows.

It is expected that the launch of the Jeddah Season activities will witness a large public presence in conjunction with Eid al-Fitr holiday, as visitors will flock early to the celebrations zone to enjoy the various shows.

The 1.2 square kilometer Jeddah Art Promenade includes an 80-meter exploration tower that will give the visitors a different view of the city, as it hosts more than 90 stores, restaurants and cafes, and many other shows and events.

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-Top News Dubai UAE News

Covid protocols for Eid announced

The National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) has announced the protocol for Eid al-Fitr…reports Asian Lite News

The National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) has announced the protocol for Eid al-Fitr, which covers prayers in the country’s mosques, along with precautionary measures to be implemented during this period.

Dr Taher Al Ameri, the official spokesman, said the protocol stipulates the need to put up physical distancing stickers across the outdoor spaces surrounding mosques, along with the possibility of using parks and parking lots.

He noted that, as per the protocol, mosques and prayer halls will open for the Eid al-Fitr prayers after the dawn prayers on Eid days, with speakers scheduled to announce the Eid takbeers half an hour before the Eid prayers begin.

According to the protocol, the combined duration of prayers and Khutba (sermon) is set to 20 minutes, while the entry and exit of worshipers will be supervised by police patrols, volunteers and imams, to prevent overcrowding and maintain order.

Worshippers must wear face masks at all times, maintain a physical distance of one metre and use personal or single-use worship mats, Dr. Al Ameri explained, noting that people are advised to avoid gatherings, handshakes and physical greetings, and opt for verbal greetings while maintaining physical distancing.

ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi announces 5 day Eid holiday for private and public schools

“The protocol includes several conditions related to Eid al-Fitr celebrations, including the need to have an active green pass on the Al Hosn app and adhering to relevant precautionary measures, such as wearing face masks and practicing physical distancing, especially when sitting with vulnerable society segments, such as people of determination, the elderly and people with chronic diseases.”

“We urge the public to use electronic alternatives to distribute cash bonuses and gifts, and limit celebrations to immediate family members and relatives, as well as avoid physical greetings,” Dr Al Ameri said.

Relevant national sectors are continuing to monitor and assess local and international developments of the pandemic, in order to support decisions and achieve sustainable recovery, he said, noting that the country is continuing to update its protocols to protect the community’s safety and security, and achieve balance across all sectors.

He also highlighted the importance of the community’s adherence to the guidelines issued by health and other authorities, as well as to the precautionary measures, urging the public to cooperate in order to ensure getting through Eid al-Fitr celebrations safely.

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-Top News Dubai UAE News

UAE travel booking volumes up 195% YoY for Eid Al Fitr

The total volume of local and international travel bookings for the anticipated Eid Al Fitr break is up by 195 percent so far in 2022…reports Asian Lite News

dnata Travel, the UAE’s longest-standing travel provider, has revealed that the total volume of local and international travel bookings for the anticipated Eid Al Fitr break is up by 195 percent so far in 2022, compared to overall bookings made throughout the same annual holiday period in 2021.

This year, the number of international travel bookings for the first Eid public holiday, expected in early May, have particularly increased with 65 percent of UAE travellers opting for worldwide destinations, and 35 percent opting for staycations. This is compared to 68 percent of travellers booking UAE staycations and 32 percent seeking international holidays, for the same holiday period in 2021.

ALSO READ: Qatar Tourism to host Eid Al Fitr Fest

The top five most-booked destinations for travel over the expected Eid Al Fitr holiday period in 2022 so far with dnata Travel in the UAE include the Maldives, UAE, Turkey, Mauritius and Oman.

Emily Jenkins, General Manager, dnata Travel Leisure, commented, “In 2021, UAE staycations and the Indian Ocean proved most popular for travellers from the UAE looking to take a well-deserved break over Eid Al Fitr. While these destinations remain ever-popular for travellers, this year, with more destinations opening we are seeing a broader range of travel options starting to trend, across Asia, Europe, and North America.

“The demand for travel is at a high as many countries are opening their borders to tourists once again, or relaxing, or removing COVID-19 related travel regulations, easing a passenger’s journey. Newly-opened and accessible, Bali and Singapore in particular are starting to gain traction, while Thailand is fast-climbing among our top ten most-booked destinations for Eid Al Fitr. The Maldives has remained the number one destination of choice with a spike in demand witnessed in early March due to removing its PCR-testing requirements for fully-vaccinated travellers.”

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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.

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-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.

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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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-Top News Ramadan UAE News

UAE issues safety rules for Eid prayers

Gatherings, shaking hands among other advisories issued; parents told to monitor children and educate them not to accept Ediya from strangers, reports Asian Lite News

Stressing that UAE is continuing its battle against the pandemic and highlighting the achievements if its national strategic plans, Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, said that returning to normalcy is an effort from community awareness and leadership.

Al Dhaheri, the official spokesperson of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), said Eid al-Fitr prayers can only be performed for 15 minutes and must follow relevant precautionary measures, such as wearing facemasks and maintaining physical distancing.

People infected with Covid-19 who are being under treatment, those exposed to infected people, and people with chronic diseases are prohibited from going to Eid prayers, he added, that gatherings and shaking hands are also prohibited.

Prayers will take place in approved mosques and musallas around the country and services facilities will be closed, he noted, affirming that elderly people over the age of 60 and children under the age of 12 should not go to mosques for their own safety.

He noted that relevant authorities will supervise the process of entry and exit from mosques to avoid overcrowding and organise prayers, adding that mosques will open 15 minutes before prayers and will be closed immediately after prayers.

Dhaheri stressed the importance of adherence to precautionary measures during Eid al-Fitr, including avoiding visits and family gatherings, wearing face masks and maintaining physical distancing with the elderly and those with chronic diseases.

He urged the public to exchange Eid greetings with friends and families via virtual platforms and to refrain from exchanging gifts and food between neighbours, and not give children Eid presents and cash bonuses.

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Meanwhile, Farida Al Hosani, official spokesperson of the UAE Health Sector, said that a study conducted on the efficiency of the national vaccination campaign, had revealed that non-vaccinated persons were vulnerable to severe complications caused by Covid-19.

Al Hosani added that the National Vaccination Campaign in the UAE continues to achieve its goals, with over 72.03 percent of the eligible criteria of the population (people over 16 years), and 79.03 percent of those over 60 years having been vaccinated.

She said that the UAE has provided over 11 million doses of the vaccine, at a rate of 113.10 doses for every 100 persons, while the number of Covid-19 tests carried out in the country exceeded 46 million.

”This makes the UAE one of the world’s most efficient examples in managing and curing the spread of the virus.” Al Hosani stressed that the country’s health authorities are closely monitoring the efficiency of vaccines, by observing the developments of clinical trials and their effectiveness in the community and tracking positive cases registered in the country.

Dubai Police urges precautionary measures

Lieutenant-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-chief of Dubai Police, urged the public to abide by the precautionary measures against Covid-19 during the Eid holidays when visiting tourist places, beaches and commercial centres, as well as to practice social distancing and wear masks when in public.

Al Marri said that Dubai Police have stepped up their readiness to secure Eid Al Fitr and patrol internal and external roads of the Emirate, as well as markets, commercial areas and locations of intense congestion.

He also advised motorists to drive safely and to refrain from committing serious violations, such as speeding, overtaking and reckless driving that leads to serious accidents.

He called upon members of the public to stay informed about the latest safety tips and traffic updates published through the Dubai Police smart app and social media accounts.

Al Marri further urged parents to monitor their children and educate them not to accept Ediya from strangers. He also called upon the public to adhere to the safety and security regulations at homes to avoid accidents of fires, wishing them a safe and happy Eid.

ALSO READ:UAE suspends arrivals from 4 countries