ABU DHABI 24 April 2020: As part of the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Covid-19, the cannon firing ceremony to announce Iftar time during the month of Ramadan will continue this year but without spectators.
Colonel Talib Abu Talib from the Support Units Command told the Arabic language daily ‘Al Khaleej’ that nine sites were selected for the Ramadan cannons this year, including four in Abu Dhabi, one in Umm Al Qaiwain and one in Ras Al Khaimah.
“The Ceremonies Squadron of the Support Units Command fired three rounds immediately after the announcement of Ramadan. The squadron will fire one round every day to announce Iftar time and three rounds to announce Eid Al Fitr at the end of the holy month,” he added.
The cannons entered service in 1970 by the then Abu Dhabi Defence Force. It was re-introduced as a means to announce Iftar time in 2014 after restructuring the Ceremonies Squadron within the Support Units Command, said Wam.
Timings of National Disinfection Programme during Ramadan
It has been decided to amend the timing of the National Disinfection Programme from the previous 8 p,-6 am time slot to 10 pm-6 am.
The new timing will come into effect from the first day of Ramadan.
The change in timing comes at the decision of the Ministries of Health and Prevention and Interior and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, which aim to facilitate normal activity for citizens and residents during the holy month.
Food outlets, cooperative societies, groceries, supermarkets, and pharmacies will continue to be allowed to operate round the clock during Ramadan. Fish, meat, vegetable and fruit shops, mills, roasteries, slaughterhouses, nuts, pastry, and chocolate shops, as well as tea and coffee shops, will be allowed to operate from 6 am to 10 pm.
The Ministry of Health and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority stressed that the outlets allowed to operate should adhere to all health and safety guidelines issued by the relevant authorities. These include not allowing customers beyond 30 percent of the total capacity, maintenance of a distance of at least two metres between two customers, and avoidance of any type of crowding in order to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Public urged to comply
The Ministries of Health and Prevention and Interior and NCEMA called upon all members of the public to fully comply with the adjusted timing in the interest of the greater good of the country and its citizens, residents, and visitors.
They also called upon the public to comply with all precautionary and preventative measures, such as not leaving the home except to buy food or medicine or to obtain medical care or work in vital sectors previously identified by the relevant authorities.
The public should take into consideration official medical advice, as well as the directives issued by the UAE Fatwa Council, particularly on performing prayers at home and treating health and safety precautions as a national and religious obligation.
The authorities also stressed the need to avoid public gatherings, family visits, and group Iftar feasts during the blessed month of Ramadan to ensure the health and safety of all. They also called upon the public to practise social distancing, wear face masks and gloves while going out, and adhere to all other preventative measures.
Friday, 24th April first day of Ramadan in UAE
The moon-sighting committee has announced that Friday 24th April, 2020 will be the first day of Ramadan in the UAE.
Sultan bin Saeed Al Badi, Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Moon Sighting Committee, in a statement following the committee’s meeting at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, said that after investigation, application of relevant Sharia laws, and contacts with neighbouring countries, tomorrow Friday, 24th April 2020 will be the first day of Ramadan.
Al Badi and the committee members, in the statement, congratulated President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and the Crown Princes of the Emirates, on the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan, and prayed to Allah Almighty to keep His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed in good health for the sake of his country, Arab Nation and Muslim Nation.
The committee members also congratulated UAE people and all Muslims around the world on the occasion.
Saudi Arabia announces Friday, 24th April first day of Ramadan
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has announced that the first day of the holy fasting month of Ramadan falls on Friday corresponding to April 24, 2020, the Royal Court announced in a statement tonight.
The Royal Court cited a statement by the Supreme Court as saying that it held a special meeting this evening to get briefed on reports sent by regional courts throughout the country on individuals’ sight-seeing the crescent of Ramadan for this year 1441H. According to their verified testimonies, Friday becomes the 1st day of Ramadan 1441H., the Royal Court reported.
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