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.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

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.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Income Distribution 2024: An In-Depth Breakdown of Economic Classes

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 24, 2025

New findings from the Cyprus Statistical Service offer a comprehensive analysis of the nation’s income stratification in 2024. The report, titled Population By Income Class, provides critical insights into the proportions of the population that fall within the middle, upper, and lower income brackets, as well as those at risk of poverty.

Income Distribution Overview

The data for 2024 show that 64.6% of the population falls within the middle income class – a modest increase from 63% in 2011. However, it is noteworthy that the range for this class begins at a comparatively low threshold of €15,501. Meanwhile, 27.8% of the population continues to reside in the lower income bracket (a figure largely unchanged from 27.7% in 2011), with nearly 14.6% of these individuals identified as at risk of poverty. The upper income class accounted for 7.6% of the population, a slight decline from 9.1% in 2011.

Income Brackets And Their Thresholds

According to the report, the median equivalent disposable national income reached €20,666 in 2024. The upper limit of the lower income class was established at €15,500, and the threshold for poverty risk was set at €12,400. The middle income category spans from €15,501 to €41,332, while any household earning over €41,333 is classified in the upper income class. The median equivalents for each group were reported at €12,271 for the lower, €23,517 for the middle, and €51,316 for the upper income classes.

Methodological Insights And Comparative Findings

Employing the methodology recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the report defines the middle income class as households earning between 75% and 200% of the national median income. In contrast, incomes exceeding 200% of the median classify households as upper income, while those earning below 75% fall into the lower income category.

Detailed Findings Across Income Segments

Upper Income Class: Comprising 73,055 individuals (7.6% of the population), this group had a median equivalent disposable income of €51,136. Notably, the share of individuals in this category has contracted since 2011.
Upper Middle Income Segment: This subgroup includes 112,694 people (11.7% of the population) with a median income of €34,961. Combined with the upper income class, they represent 185,749 individuals.
Middle Income Group: Encompassing 30.3% of the population (approximately 294,624 individuals), this segment reports a median disposable income of €24,975.
Lower Middle And Lower Income Classes: The lower middle income category includes 22.2% of the population (211,768 individuals) with a median income of €17,800, while the lower income class accounts for 27.8% (267,557 individuals) with a median income of €12,271.

Payment Behaviors And Economic Implications

The report also examines how income levels influence repayment behavior for primary residence loans or rental payments. Historically, households in the lower income class have experienced the greatest delays. In 2024, 27.0% of those in the lower income bracket were late on payments—a significant improvement from 34.6% in 2011. For the middle income class, late payments were observed in 9.9% of cases, down from 21.4% in 2011. Among the upper income class, only 3% experienced delays, compared to 9.9% previously.

This detailed analysis underscores shifts in income distribution and repayment behavior across Cyprus, reflecting broader economic trends that are critical for policymakers and investors to consider as they navigate the evolving financial landscape.

Breaking news