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Ramadan 2025 In The UAE: Unwrapping Sacred Traditions And Modern Customs

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 27, 2025

Ramadan 2025 is set to begin on Saturday, March 1—a time when the UAE and millions of Muslims worldwide will pause to reflect, fast, and reconnect with their spiritual roots. This holy month, marking the Quran’s revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) transforms daily life into a rhythm of prayer, charity, and mindful self-discipline.

Key Dates And Rituals

Ramadan’s exact start will be confirmed by the UAE’s moon-sighting committee, but if March 1 holds, the fast will continue until the crescent’s reappearance signals Eid Al Fitr on either March 29 or 30. Eid, the festive culmination of Ramadan, ushers in a time of joyous reunions with family and friends and marks the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar. Remember, unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic lunar cycle advances roughly 11 days each year, shifting these significant dates annually.

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Daily Practices And Cultural Significance

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and smoking from dawn until sunset, channeling their energy into extra prayers—most notably, the tarawih—and acts of kindness. As dusk falls, the fast is broken with iftar, traditionally starting with dates and water, followed by an elaborate meal that brings communities together. In some regions, antique cannons once signaled the end of the day’s fast—a practice that echoes through history even as modern rituals take shape.

A unique facet of Ramadan is the role of the masaharati, a traditional dawn caller who would wander the streets with a flute or drums to wake people for the pre-dawn meal, a practice that still survives in parts of the Arab world.

Read: When Will Ramadan 2025 Start? UAE Work And School Hours, Public Transport Adjustments And More

Charity And Social Responsibility

Central to Ramadan is zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charitable donation that every self-supporting Muslim must pay before the Eid prayer. This act of giving ensures that those in need can partake in the celebrations, reinforcing the month’s core values of compassion and communal support.

Guidelines For Visitors

If you’re visiting the UAE during Ramadan, it’s important to be culturally aware. While non-Muslims are not required to fast, respecting local customs is key. Public consumption of food, drink, or smoking is frowned upon during daylight hours. Many establishments adjust their hours, and designated areas might be available for non-fasting guests. When invited to an iftar or visiting a mosque, modest attire and greetings like “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem” are appreciated gestures of respect.

As Ramadan 2025 approaches, these traditions and practices offer a window into the rich cultural and spiritual tapestry of the UAE. Whether you’re a participant or an observer, understanding these customs can enrich your experience during this sacred time.

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Central Bank Of Cyprus Balance Sheet Reflects Strong Eurosystem Position

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 17, 2026

Overview Of Financial Stability

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has released its latest balance sheet, reaffirming its steadfast role within the Eurosystem. The balance sheet, featuring total assets and liabilities of €29.545 billion, underscores the institution’s stable financial posture at the close of January 2026.

Asset Allocation And Strategic Holdings

Governor Christodoulos Patsalides issued the balance sheet, which details the CBC’s asset composition under the Eurosystem framework. Notably, the bank’s gold and gold receivables amounted to €1.635 billion, providing a significant hedge and stability to its balance sheet. Additional asset categories include claims on non-euro area residents denominated in foreign currency at €1.099 billion, while claims on euro area residents in both foreign and domestic currency add further depth to its portfolio.

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The most substantial asset category, intra-Eurosystem claims, reached €19.438 billion, an indication of the CBC’s deep integration with its European counterparts. Furthermore, euro-denominated securities held by euro area residents contributed €6.587 billion. Despite a marked emphasis on these areas, lending to euro area credit institutions in monetary policy operations recorded no activity during the period.

Liability Structure And Monetary Policy Implications

On the liabilities side, banknotes in circulation contributed €3.218 billion. Liabilities to euro area credit institutions associated with monetary policy operations were notably the largest single category, totaling €17.636 billion. Supplementary liabilities included those to other euro area residents, which aggregated to €4.989 billion, with government liabilities playing a predominant role at €4.754 billion.

Other liability items, such as claims related to special drawing rights allocated by the International Monetary Fund at €494.193 million, and provisions of €596.571 million, further articulate the CBC’s exposure. Revaluation accounts stood at €1.643 billion, and overall capital and reserves were confirmed at €333.822 million, completing the picture of a well-capitalized institution.

Conclusive Insights And Strategic Alignment

The detailed breakdown illustrates the CBC’s sizeable intra-Eurosystem exposures, reinforcing its central role within Europe’s monetary landscape. With an asset-liability balance maintained at €29.545 billion, the CBC’s financial position remains robust, indicating a commitment to structural stability and strategic risk management.

This fiscal disclosure not only provides transparency into the CBC’s operations but also serves as a benchmark for comparative analysis among other central banks within the Eurosystem, highlighting the intricate balance between asset liquidity, regulatory oversight, and monetary policy imperatives.