H.H. Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai….reports Asian Lite News
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday received Ramadan well-wishers on the occasion of the advent of the Holy Month, at the Union House in Dubai.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, accepted the greetings of well-wishers who included ministers, members of the Federal National Council (FNC), senior government officials and local dignitaries.
His Highness also hosted an iftar banquet for the guests.
Meanwhile, H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, continued to receive Ramadan well-wishers at Al Zaher Palace in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman.
Among those welcomed by H.H. Sheikh Humaid was Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the UAE.
Sheikh Humaid also welcomed sheikhs, state officials, chairmen and heads of government departments, dignitaries, businesspersons and Emiratis, who congratulated the Ajman Ruler on the occasion of Ramada and prayed to Allah Almighty to revisit the fasting month with more goodness, progress, security and prosperity for the UAE and its people.
Several high-ranking officials from the emirate of Ajman attended the reception.
The project aims to bring joy and happiness during Ramadan by providing 1,122 food baskets to 5,610 individuals in targeted families…reports Asian Lite News
The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) has launched the “Ramadan Project” to distribute food to patients with cancer, thalassemia, and kidney failure in Mukalla, as well as to needy families in Hadramaut Governorate, Yemen.
The project aims to bring joy and happiness during Ramadan by providing 1,122 food baskets to 5,610 individuals in targeted families.
Hamoud Rashid Al Shamsi, Advisor for Development and International Cooperation and ERC Representative said in a statement that this project comes within the framework of the UAE’s humanitarian and development efforts to improve life, alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people, and meet their needs during the holy month of Ramadan. It also aims to enhance food security in light of the current circumstances that their country is experiencing.
He also pointed out that this aid contributes to bridging the food gap and meeting the needs of the beneficiaries.
Ahmed Bazrous, Director General of the Office of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor in the Hadhramaut coast, praised the efforts of the UAE and its provision of assistance in various fields, especially those that affect people’s livelihood.
He also noted in this regard the efforts and support of the ERC for patients and the most needy families in Hadramaut Governorate.
The “Ramadan Project” is part of a series of humanitarian projects and programmes provided by the ERC in Yemen within the framework of the comprehensive response to the needs of the fraternal Yemeni people in various humanitarian and development fields.
Houthi media also said that the US and UK carried out five strikes on the northern province of Saada on Monday, but did not provide specific targets…reports Asian Lite News
US Central Command said it carried out six strikes on Yemen on Monday, destroying an unmanned underwater vessel and 18 anti-ship missiles that the Yemeni Houthi militia had prepared to launch at US and international ships in the Red Sea, as the group warned it was prepared to step up attacks in the region during Ramadan.
The Houthis launched two missiles at the Pinocchio, a Singaporean-owned and Liberian-flagged ship, between 8:50 a.m. and 12:50 p.m. Sanaa time on Monday, according to CENTCOM. The missiles failed to impact the ship and caused no injuries or damage.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea claimed the Pinocchio is owned by the US and that their missiles “precisely” targeted the ship, pledging to intensify their assaults on shipping in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden during Ramadan.
“The Yemeni Armed Forces declare that, with God’s help, their military actions would expand throughout Ramadan, the month of jihad in support of the oppressed Palestinian people and our mujahideen brothers in Gaza,” Sarea said in a televised statement.
Houthi media also said that the US and UK carried out five strikes on the northern province of Saada on Monday, but did not provide specific targets.
Since November, the Iran-backed Houthis have attacked commercial and military ships in international waters off Yemen, claiming to be acting in support of Palestinians and attempting to force Israel to end its campaign in Gaza.
Last week, Houthi militia leader Abdul Malik Al-Houthi said the group has launched over 400 drones and missiles against more than 60 ships since the start of their operations.
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Information Minister Muammar Al-Eryani praised social media platform X for removing verification badges from Houthi media outlet and militia commanders’ accounts.
According to the ministry, X has withdrawn the blue verification mark from Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah Channel as well as accounts belonging to Sarea, Al-Houthi and others, and is preparing to shut those accounts at the request of the government.
“We commend this step that we have repeatedly called for as part of government efforts to dry up the Houthi militia (financial, political and media) resources, and we renew our demand for social media applications and satellite companies to ban the content of the Houthi militia,” Al-Eryani said on X.
Days after the US decision to reclassify the Houthis as terrorists in January, the Yemeni government sent official letters to major social media platforms such as Meta and X, demanding that they close Houthi media accounts as well as those belonging to the militia’s officials and sympathizers, accusing the Houthis of using social media platforms to incite hatred, recruit children for terrorism, and call for attacks on maritime traffic.
Those who came to extend the Ramadan greetings included sheikhs; senior officials; dignitaries of the country; and UAE citizens who prayed to Allah Almighty to revisit the fasting month with more goodness, progress, security, safety and prosperity for the UAE and its people…reports Asian Lite News
H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, today received at Al Badee’ Palace, Ramadan well-wishers, on the first day of the holy month.
Those who came to extend the Ramadan greetings included sheikhs; senior officials; dignitaries of the country; and UAE citizens who prayed to Allah Almighty to revisit the fasting month with more goodness, progress, security, safety and prosperity for the UAE and its people.
The reception was attended by 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; and several officials from the emirate.
H.H. Sheikh Hamad accepted Ramadan greetings from Sheikhs, senior officials, and heads of local government departments…reports Asian Lite News
H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, received on Monday a host of Ramadan well-wishers, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.
H.H. Sheikh Hamad accepted Ramadan greetings from Sheikhs, senior officials, and heads of local government departments.
The well-wishers prayed to Allah Almighty to revisit the fasting month with more goodness, progress, security, safety and prosperity for the UAE and its people.
Minnesota’s hastily organized protest vote push comes after more than 100,000 joined a similar protest in Michigan’s Democratic primary…reports Asian Lite News
President Joe Biden has released a statement extending his wishes and prayers to Muslims in America and around the globe in the holy month of Ramadan.
Biden’s message came as Muslim and Arab American voters from several swing states pledged to withdraw support for the president in an “uncommitted” protest vote over his policy toward Israel.
The protest movement is asking Biden to back a permanent ceasefire and halt aid to Israel.
The president’s backing of Israel and his refusal to place conditions on the supply of military aid to the country have sparked outrage that could affect his chances of reelection against likely Republican rival Donald Trump.
Pressure on Biden has landed in Minnesota where activists hope a coalition of progressive Democrats and Muslim Americans will fuel a strong protest vote.
Minnesota’s hastily organized protest vote push comes after more than 100,000 joined a similar protest in Michigan’s Democratic primary.
Biden said: “The sacred month is a time for reflection and renewal. This year it comes at a moment of immense pain. The war in Gaza has inflicted terrible suffering on the Palestinian people.
“More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed, most of them civilians, including thousands of children. Some are family members of American Muslims, who are deeply grieving their lost loved ones today.
“As Muslims gather around the world over the coming days and weeks to break their fast, the suffering of the Palestinian people will be front of mind for many; it is front of mind for me.
“The United States will continue to lead international efforts to get more humanitarian assistance into Gaza by land, air, and sea. Earlier this week I directed our military to lead an emergency mission to establish a temporary pier on the coast of Gaza that can receive large shipments of aid.
“We are carrying out airdrops of aid, in coordination with our international partners, including Jordan. And we’ll continue to work with Israel to expand deliveries by land, insisting that it facilitates more routes and opens more crossings to get more aid to more people.
Lulu Group Announces Ramadan Initiatives for 2024. The retail giant reiterates their Ccommitment to price stability, discounts, and community engagement…reports Asian Lite News
Lulu Group, the leading retail chain in the UAE, announced its comprehensive Ramadan initiatives for 2024, aimed at ensuring price stability, offering enticing promotions, and fostering community engagement during the holy month.
In response to global challenges such as inflation and shipping concerns, Lulu Group has established sourcing centers worldwide to guarantee an uninterrupted supply of essential food products, particularly those relevant to Ramadan. The key focus is on preventing price rises by instructing suppliers and vendors not to increase prices during Ramadan, ensuring affordability for all shoppers.
Up to 60% discount on a range of essential food and grocery products during Ramadan across all LuLu stores in the UAE. Regular weekly promotions and offers will be available across all categories, including food & non-food, which will be published through social media and special promo catalogues. More than 5,000 products will be offered at special prices throughout the Ramadan season, covering categories such as food, groceries, dinnerware, fresh produce, home appliances, electronics, lifestyle products, and furnishings.
To enhance affordability, Lulu Group introduces two sizes of ‘Ramadan Kits’ priced at AED 85 and AED 120, respectively. These kits include rice, sugar, milk powder, instant food, jelly, custard mixes, fruit cordials, pasta, grains, oil, and other essential groceries, providing convenience and value for shoppers during the holy month.
In addition to discounts and promotions, Lulu’s Ramadan campaign includes a ‘sharing is caring’ donation drive, now in its 12th year. Partnering with leading brands in association with Dubai Cares, Lulu will donate Dh1 for every product sold during the month of Ramadan across all LuLu stores.
Lulu is also partnering with the Emirates Red Crescent to donate Ramadan kits and Iftar boxes to people in need.
LuLu Group introduces Shopping Gift Cards exclusively meant for charity purposes, available in denominations of AED 25 and AED 50. These cards can be purchased and gifted to the less privileged segments of society, allowing individuals to contribute to charitable causes during Ramadan.
Throughout Ramadan, a series of targeted promotions to enhance the shopping experience for shoppers. These promotions include:
1. DATES FESTIVAL – Features the most sought-after dates from around the world.
2. FRUITFUL DEALS – Incredible offers on fresh fruits and vegetables.
3. HEALTHY RAMADAN – Promotes gluten-free, vegan, and organic products.
4. MEAT MARKET – Full range of meats, poultry & seafood.
5. SWEET TREATS – Wide variety of traditional Arabic sweets and desserts.
6. IFTAAR BOXES – Affordable and convenient food boxes.
7. RAMADAN HOME – Wide selection of kitchen and home appliances.
8. BIG TV MAJLIS – Exclusive discounts on large-screen TVs, and home theater systems.
9. IFTAR SPECIALS: Features Indian & Arabic snacks.
10. RAMADAN SUPER NUTS: Special discounts on premium nuts.
11. RAMADAN FISH FIESTA: Exclusive offers on a wide selection of fresh seafood.
12. EID SALE – Discounts on Clothing & Lifestyle products.
As part of the Ramadan experience, Lulu will host “Ramadan Nights” in selected hypermarkets, providing families and friends with an opportunity to come together, shop, dine, and enjoy cultural experiences, fostering a sense of community and celebration.
The Ramadan initiatives by Lulu Group reflect its commitment to serving shoppers, supporting communities, and spreading the spirit of generosity and unity during the holy month.
Observant Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk during Ramadan and gather with family and friends to break the fast in the evening….reports Asian Lite News
Dozens of Muslim worshippers gathered in New York’s Times Square Sunday to mark the start of the holy month of Ramadan, with some displaying Palestinian flags in solidarity with people in Gaza.
They performed Taraweeh, special Ramadan night prayers, against the backdrop of the bright LED advertising billboards that illuminate the Manhattan landmark.
“It’s good to come here as Muslims. I saw Muslims from everywhere — I was surprised, it’s my first time here. I wanted to come and see the community,” said one of the worshippers, Salman Al-Hanafy, 20, a forklift operator from Cairo who wore a pristine white thobe.
More than 100 faithful gathered for the prayer meeting despite cold, windy conditions, with a vocalist chanting Nasheeds, and children reciting from the Qur’an, copies of which were offered to both Muslims and curious passersby.
“A lot of people are interested in the Qur’an, we have almost run out of French ones. It explains the importance of fasting during Ramadan,” said Ahmad Yasar, 20, an IT student in New York as a mound of donuts were delivered to him and his team handing out the holy books.
Observant Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk during Ramadan and gather with family and friends to break the fast in the evening.
It is also a month of prayers during which Muslims traditionally converge in large numbers at mosques, especially at night.
Organizers projected prayers from the Qur’an onto a white sheet that was buffeted by the wind as giant ads for Broadway musicals and candy glowed overhead.
Yasar said that communal prayer meetings were important to “raise awareness and show people what’s going around the world” — including in Gaza.
Nearby a speaker had the red, white, green and black colors of the Palestinian flag emblazoned on his hat, while a young boy in an electric wheelchair flew the banner.
New York has been the venue for dozens of protests, some pro-Palestinian and others pro-Israeli, since the October 7 attacks on Israel by the Hamas militant group that triggered the war.
Hamas’ attacks on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.
Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 31,045 people in Gaza, the majority women and children, according to the territory’s health ministry.
Under the direction of the renowned Ali El Bourji, the Executive Arabic Chef at Atlantis Dubai, Bourji promises to offer an unparalleled experience, with a delectable array of Ramadan staples like lamb ouzi, Jordanian lamb mansaf, and a western carving station…reports Asian Lite News
The Asateer Tent at Atlantis, The Palm offers a range of eating options so that Ramadan guests can enjoy both foreign and Arabian cuisines.
The iconic Asateer Tent will be returning this year to commemorate the Holy Month of Ramadan, Atlantis, The Palm proudly announced. Expanding to a larger space than before, the venue will have gorgeous furnishings, a sophisticated yet contemporary aesthetic, with possibilities for patio and seating overlooking the sea. With special theme nights, diners may anticipate enjoying a fusion buffet with cosmopolitan, Arabesque, Khaleeji, Persian, and Turkish food.
This year, Asateer is going to welcome up to 1,400 visitors each night as a result of popular demand, breathing fresh life into the gorgeous marquee for the highly anticipated Iftar banquet. There are four VIP Majlis sections overlooking the Arabian Sea, 120 dining tables that can seat up to 800 guests indoors and 600 outdoors, booth seats, and a selection of seating options for patrons to choose from. During Suhoor, guests can take in live performances by vocalists and entrancing oud strings. Asateer will be the ideal option for evening festivities this Ramadan, whether it’s an intimate family meal, an evening with friends, or a big gathering. Group packages will be available for both Iftar and Suhoor.
Under the direction of the renowned Ali El Bourji, the Executive Arabic Chef at Atlantis Dubai, Bourji promises to offer an unparalleled experience, with a delectable array of Ramadan staples like lamb ouzi, Jordanian lamb mansaf, and a western carving station. A range of dessert stations are also in store for guests, such as a classic live Arabic sweet-making station, popular dishes like kunafa and osmaliya with ashta, an ice cream station, continental pastries, and a chocolate fountain. A delectable à la carte buffet of cold and hot mezzeh, manakish, soup, grilled meat, fish, and shellfish, as well as Ramadan desserts, hot snacks, juices, and hot beverages, will be available during Suhoor. Additionally, throughout the event, guests will enjoy a variety of live entertainment.
The cost of the Iftar buffet is AED 270 per person on weekdays and AED 290 per person on weekends. This price includes water and a selection of delicious Ramadan juices, like real Arabian hibiscus, jallab, sahlab, and amar al din, in addition to fresh orange juice. The best dates, dried fruit, grape molasses, and apricots will go into making the traditional Ramadan drinks, which come in a variety of flavours to suit every palate. The buffet for Iftar will be open from dusk until 8:30 p.m. Suhoor is served from 10:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. on weekdays and weekends, with a minimum expenditure of AED 180 per person. Until three in the morning, guests are free to remain and enjoy the tent.
Hamas reportedly persists in Gaza ceasefire talks despite Israel’s absence; Washington urges Israel to alleviate suffering among civilians…reports Asian Lite News
In ongoing developments, Hamas persists in ceasefire negotiations despite Israel’s notable absence from the dialogue table. Meanwhile, Washington adopts a firm stance, urging Israel to alleviate the plight of suffering civilians amidst the conflict.
Talks, which commenced in Cairo on Sunday, are seen as a pivotal step towards securing the first extended ceasefire in the five-month-old war, with hopes to implement it before the commencement of the Ramadan fasting month on Sunday.
However, Israel has opted not to provide public commentary on the Cairo negotiations or its decision to abstain from participation. Reuters reported that Israel’s decision may stem from Hamas’s refusal to furnish a comprehensive list of hostages’ names still in their custody.
The militant group asserts that they will only disclose this information once mutually agreeable terms have been established. These developments underscore the intricate challenges of negotiating peace amidst ongoing hostilities in Gaza.
It was earlier reported that, Israel’s decision to opt out of truce talks stems from Hamas’ failure to respond to two key Israeli demands — providing a detailed list of hostages, specifying those who are alive and those who are deceased, and confirming the ratio of Palestinian prisoners to be released from Israeli prisons in exchange for the hostages.
The Israeli official, who chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of diplomatic negotiations, revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in coordination with Mossad director David Barnea, made the decision after receiving information that Hamas had not addressed these conditions.
This move follows Netanyahu’s outlined terms in a speech last Thursday, where he emphasised the need for clarity on the identities of the hostages before progressing with any agreements, according to CNN.
Despite a statement from a senior Biden Administration official indicating that Israel had “basically accepted” a proposed six-week ceasefire, the lack of response from Hamas has led to the cancellation of Israel’s participation in the Cairo talks.
A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Sunday, expressing hope that the discussions would lead to a cessation of hostilities. However, a high-ranking Hamas official has yet to respond to CNN’s inquiry about whether the group has addressed Israel’s conditions.
The remaining sticking points in the negotiations, according to a Hamas source, include establishing a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops – referred to as “occupation forces” – from the Gaza Strip, and facilitating the return of displaced individuals from the south to the north.
Despite optimism, a diplomatic source downplayed the prospects of an immediate breakthrough, citing slow progress and suggesting that a deal might not materialise within the next 48 hours, CNN reported.
