Residents should expect windy conditions in the days leading up to the Eid al Fitr festival. It can anticipate additional drops in temperature over interior parts.

According to the National Center of Meteorology’s weather forecast, people may expect mild to moderate winds that may cause dust to fly during the day.

Over the interior, the sky will be partly overcast and dusty at times. The night will be humid, and there is a chance of mist forming in certain coastal regions on Monday morning.

From an Iftar with Lions to a cruise along the Corniche and a Suhoor under the stars, Abu Dhabi captured the spirit of Ramadan in every corner of the emirate

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 30 April 2022: As the Holy Month of Ramadan comes to a close, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is celebrating the successful delivery of a multitude of momentous and memorable Iftars and Suhoors, which were held across the emirate over the last few weeks. From the luxurious to the laid-back, the natural to the novel, Abu Dhabi’s residents and visitors looking to celebrate in authentic and culturally-rich venues were spoilt for choice by the capital’s huge choice of iconic cultural, hospitality and entertainment attractions.

A few of the city’s Iftars took a walk on the wild side, with guests dining up-close and personal with nature. Al Ain Zoo hosted a unique and memorable experience with its Iftar with the Lions where, after a sunset tour around Al Ain Safari, guests dined with the ‘kings of the jungle’ over an extraordinary gastronomic set-menu experience on the edge of the lions’ territory. Over at Emirates Park Zoo, guests could break their fast with either of two safari stars at the Zoo’s Iftar with the Giraffes or Iftar with the Elephants. In addition to the atmospheric Iftar spread, both experiences offered free full-day admission to the Zoo to explore the colourful menagerie of wildlife, an up-close-and-personal feeding experience with the animals, an eclectic African drumming experience and educational tours and talks.

Igniting the appetite of Abu Dhabi’s adventure-seekers, Pura Eco Retreat in Jebel Hafit Desert Park catered for Iftar and Suhoor around the campfire, complete with luxury glamping and authentic camping experiences at the base of Jebel Hafit mountain. The Hafit Foothills Lounge by Pura served a sensational Iftar and Suhoor under the stars, allowing for an authentic culinary experience in traditional style, surrounded by nature.

Lovers of art and culture dined under the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi dome on Saadiyat Island. Here, Ramadan was refined with a three-course Emirati-French fine dining Iftar experience in the chandeliered brasserie Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi, whilst its sister outlet, the laid-back Art Lounge, served a lighter à la carte Iftar overlooking the lights of the city. On Yas Island, the world’s first Warner Bros. Hotel, the WB™ Abu Dhabi, served a culinary journey of colourful cuisines and aromatic flavours of the Levant at the family-favourite Sidekicks. With fun for the entire family, Iftar featured meet-and-greets with WB™ character favourites such as Tom & Jerry, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Robin.

Whether at the foot of its high-rises or sat along its shorelines, the emirate’s leading hotels made sure to have their guests seated with the best views of Abu Dhabi. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal served Suhoor on its Grand Lawn, overlooking Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, whilst on the other side of the city, the Royal Yacht Restaurant took its guests on an idyllic one-hour Iftar cruise along the Corniche to view the shimmering skyline. Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, though serving up panoramic views of downtown, the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas on Saadiyat Island hosted Suhoor on the Beach, an authentic and luxurious Bedouin-style experience offering a gourmet Arabic and French-style Suhoor Tea. Suhoor at Café by the Fountain at Emirates Palace was an intimate affair at one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic locations with diners able to connect amidst the mesmerising water feature and enjoy authentic Arabic cuisine, a celebration set to the dulcet tones of traditional Oud performers.

Over the last month, Abu Dhabi also witnessed several unique Suhoor experiences held by world-class luxury brands, including Cartier, Dolce & Gabbana and Boucheron, supported by DCT Abu Dhabi’s Retail Abu Dhabi, an industry platform that engages with brands to bring strategic and innovative campaigns and experiences to Abu Dhabi.

Cartier created Al Manama, a Majlis-style concept in collaboration with the Bin Shabib Brothers, that paid homage to the long-standing relationship with the Middle East dating back to Jacques Cartier’s first visit to the region in 1912. Inaugurated by HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, the Suhoor nights were held between the 18 and 22 of April at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi’s cultural hub on Saadiyat Island.

Dolce & Gabbana presented their Ramadan collection over Suhoor with an intimate celebration on 12 April at the St. Regis Abu Dhabi hotel, whilst the French luxury jewellery brand, Boucheron, hosted an intimate ladies-only Suhoor on 14 April at the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri. During the evening, Boucheron revealed its ‘Share More’ campaign, a compelling story told in three parts, inviting viewers to share the emotions and experiences of a group of women bound by sisterhood. 

 For more information on Abu Dhabi’s exciting events and experiences, visit inabudhabi.ae.

 Under the directives of the President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has ordered the disbursement of housing loans to 1,347 UAE citizens in Abu Dhabi, worth a total of AED 2.36 billion.

The first housing package in 2022, which coincides with Eid al-Fitr celebrations, reflects the leadership’s commitment to ensuring social stability, and enabling UAE citizens to raise strong, stable families that will benefit the future of the UAE.

The package forms part of the UAE’s leadership ongoing commitment to further strengthening citizens’ contribution to the advancement of society by maintaining high living standards as part of tightly-knit, connected communities.

Falah Mohammad Al Ahbabi, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Chairman of the Board of Directors Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, said: “This housing package reflects our leadership’s commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of our citizens and prioritising the strength and stability of families.”

He added that Abu Dhabi Housing Authority is continually working towards a modern and sustainable housing ecosystem that enhances social stability and cohesion and also meets Emirati families’ needs in line with the leadership’s vision.

The radar speed will be set to 100/121 kmph.

New speed restrictions for two highways in Ras Al Khaimah have been announced.

The Ras Al Khaimah Police General Command announced on social media that the radar speeds from Shamal Street to the Nakheel Intersection would be adjusted to 100/121 kmph.

Meanwhile, the speed limit on Digdagga Street will be reduced to 100/121 km/h.

The Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO) official said that the online booking system for overseas Filipino workers in Dubai who will apply for Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) would be restored on May 4. 

For the last two days, the booking system was not working, causing a long queue outside the POLO office. Some Filipinos waited for more than 10 hours. 

As travel protocols are eased, Filipinos have been flocking to Polo Dubai’s office lately for OEC requirements.

Between March and April, there was an average of 700 overseas foreign workers seeking contract verification and issuance of an OEC.

The contract verification process will begin on May 4, and OEC will commence on May 5.

Cc: Khaleej Times

The UAE fuel pricing committee released prices for petrol and diesel for the month of May 2022 on April 29.

From May 1, Super 98 fuel will cost Dh3.66 per liter, up from Dh3.74 in March.

The cost of Special 95 fuel will be Dh3.55 per liter, down from Dh3.62 in April.

Diesel will cost Dh4.08 per liter, up from Dh4.02 in April, while E-Plus 91 petrol will cost Dh3.48 per liter, up from Dh3.55 per liter last month.

According to Dubai’s roads and transport authority (RTA), Dubai Metro’s red and green line stations will be open from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. Monday through Wednesday.

The Dubai Tram will also run from 6 a.m. until 1 a.m. Monday through Wednesday.

Public buses main and sub stations:

• Gold Souq Station: 5am- 12:29am
• Al Ghubaiba: 4:14am-12:58am
• Satwa Station: 4:57am- 11:00pm
• C01: all hours of the day
• Al Quasais Bus Station: 4:34am- 12:04am
• Al Quoz Industrial Station: 5:05am- 11:35pm
• Jebel Ali Station: 4:58- 11:17pm

For more information about the transport schedules, make sure to visit the RTA website. 

Along with releasing the public transportation hours for the Eid Al Fitr holiday, Dubai’s roads and transport authority (RTA) also announced that paid parking zones would be free.

It is said that from Saturday, April 30 to Friday, May 6, the public parking spots will be free of charge, but not the multi-story parking. 

The Customer Happiness Centres will also be closed from Saturday, April 30 to Sunday, May 8. On Monday, May 9, the offices will reopen.

“Achieving success in Dubai entails self-satisfaction and contentment. It entails having a successful and satisfying life.”

Nitin Jain is the director of Affordables, the top apparel company in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He is an Indian citizen who was born and raised in Delhi. He is not just a businessman but also a health and sustainability advocate. His support for creating a clothing brand for expats in the UAE allows him to be successful and satisfied.

Ever since he was a child, Nitin has dreamed of being an entrepreneur. Even today, he continues to work and inspire people with his excellent works and vision. He is now married and the father of two gorgeous children.

“I have been instilled with a greater sense of self-drive and enthusiasm since my childhood, so I have dreamt of being a successful entrepreneur. Though my educational background has been minimal, it never stopped me from achieving what I wanted with my life. I started my business from scratch, and today I am an enterprising businessman with all the trappings of vision and perseverance. I am the Managing Director of my firm,” he shared. 

Aiming high for himself 20 years ago, he is still on the track today. He serves his business alongside his wife and children, who have been the source of his hard work.

Nitin stated: “I’ve lived in the UAE for 20 years and had no work when I first arrived. So the only alternative I have is to try my luck. After several months of effort and adversity, I got work at a textile firm and stayed for nearly two years.”

“I established Affordables in 2003. I started my business in Ajman, and the journey has not been simple, but it has been worth it because of what is happening in my business now.”

Nitin’s company concept arose amid the 2008 recession in Dubai, where the expat population around them was suffering greatly. Despite the recession hype, that event becomes a watershed moment for him to establish a firm. He kept on looking for the silver lining amid adversity.

“This idea occurred to me since I’ve noticed that expats can’t afford to buy as many clothes at the mall because of the high pricing. It is not reasonable to spend so much money on apparel and accessories in the mall. That is why my wife and I decided to start a business called Affordables.”

“When we first launched our company, we realized that a person needed to have adequate funds and infrastructure to establish a firm. And if they don’t have any of these, everything will have to start over,” he said.

“We established the firm for the first time in September 2009, and we currently manage 15 different stores. This year, we want to develop two additional locations so that more people may enjoy high-quality apparel at the most affordable prices,” he said.

Dubai as a Business City

During the interview, Nitin stated that he likes Dubai because the city provides so many options for individuals; they are open to business and investment. He noted that the government has been very supportive in many aspects of life, from visa services to appreciating cultural diversity.

“The most significant aspect is that we have the flexibility to start and run our businesses in Dubai as businessmen. He stated that there aren’t as many tax concerns as there used to be,” he stated.

Dubai, as a businessman, assisted him in realizing his potential, ability, and hard work. According to him, Dubai provides several grants to young individuals and enterprises. The UAE offers many commercial entry options, such as Freezone and Global Market.

“The multitude and complex nature, which has been a beacon of hope and success for many nationalities who have made the city their second home, has been a good place for growth and development. Dubai has treated me with multiple opportunities and positive challenges that shaped the people and the country as a whole!”

“Dubai provides ample avenues in various fields of business enterprises. It promotes healthy competition and vast scope for expansion and development,” he added. 

Success and learnings

For Nitin, success in Dubai is self-fulfillment, contentment, and enjoying a rich and decent life. On the other side, Nitin argues that financial success is not the main criterion. Instead, living in peace and safety is much more significant.

“I am a person who sees achievement in the face of difficulties and challenges. It makes me more robust, more confident, and more hopeful.”

According to him, the fashion industry fascinates him, and it is inevitable and constant changes provide him with a great scope of innovation and a continuous search for new ideas that are in vogue. 

He chose the field of fashion business because the complexity of the human mind and its ever-changing taste enthrall my sense of providing the best of my services in the industry. 

“I truly believe that the fashion industry not only dresses people but defines the character.” 

Conquering adversities positively

“We do not leave behind just wealth and inheritance – what we impart are legacy and inspiration.”

Nitin shared that the constant challenges that he usually encounters are when he is about to import from various countries, adopting new laws, price war, handling the needs of 250 nationalities, leasing situations, and Human Resources. 

He added that they need to make decisions about buying thousands of new articles, colors, and styles daily in the fashion industry, which happens to be the highest level of decision fatigue. 

“Like any other entrepreneur, I had to face many odds while starting my business. Capital mobilization was the biggest hurdle, to begin with. It was followed by other aspects like cost of operations, working capital, extensive paperwork, and minimal support from other business enterprises,” he added. 

Appreciation conquers all

“I would take this opportunity to record my immense gratitude and appreciation to this land of promises that has shaped my professional and personal journey all these years.” 

He also added that the city had been a constant reminder of a place where people from all over the world can enjoy life in harmony despite cultural differences.

“It reminds me of an excellent and diversified musical symphony played by using multiple instruments.