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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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Cyprus Emerges As A Leading Household Consumer In The European Union

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 30, 2025

Overview Of Eurostat Findings

A recent Eurostat survey, which adjusts real consumption per capita using purchasing power standards (PPS), has positioned Cyprus among the highest household consumers in the European Union. In 2024, Cyprus recorded a per capita expenditure of 21,879 PPS, a figure that underscores the country’s robust material well-being relative to other member states.

Comparative Consumption Analysis

Luxembourg claimed the top spot with an impressive 28,731 PPS per inhabitant. Trailing closely were Ireland (23,534 PPS), Belgium (23,437 PPS), Germany (23,333 PPS), Austria (23,094 PPS), the Netherlands (22,805 PPS), Denmark (22,078 PPS), and Italy (21,986 PPS), with Cyprus rounding out this elite group at 21,879 PPS. These figures not only highlight the high expenditure across these nations but also reflect differences in purchasing power and living standards across the region.

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Contrasting Trends In Household Spending

The survey also shed light on countries with lower household spending levels. Hungary and Bulgaria reported the smallest average expenditures, at 14,621 PPS and 15,025 PPS respectively. Meanwhile, Greece and Portugal recorded 18,752 PPS and 19,328 PPS, respectively. Noteworthy figures from France (20,462 PPS), Finland (20,158 PPS), Lithuania (19,261 PPS), Malta (19,622 PPS), Slovenia (18,269 PPS), Slovakia (17,233 PPS), Latvia (16,461 PPS), Estonia (16,209 PPS), and the Czech Republic (16,757 PPS) further illustrate the disparate economic landscapes within the EU. Spain’s figure, however, was an outlier at 10,899 PPS, suggesting the need for further data clarification.

Growth Trends And Economic Implications

Eurostat’s longitudinal analysis from 2019 to 2024 revealed that Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania experienced the fastest annual increases in real consumer spending, each growing by at least 3.8%. In contrast, five member states, with the Czech Republic experiencing the largest drop at an average annual decline of 1.3%, indicate a varied economic recovery narrative across the continent.

This comprehensive survey not only provides valuable insights into current household consumption patterns but also offers a robust framework for policymakers and business leaders to understand economic shifts across the EU. Such data is integral for strategic decision-making in markets that are increasingly defined by evolving consumer behavior and regional economic resilience.