Dubai to roll out religious, community activities on the Net

Aset of religious and community activities for the holy month are being prepared in line with Covid-19 precautionary measures, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in Dubai has announced.

“The month of Ramadan witnesses distinctive social activities organised by different sectors, which will be implemented this year differently,” said Dr Hamad Al Sheikh Ahmad Al-Shaibani, director-general of IACAD.

“We do not say it sadly, but we say it, believing that it is an opportunity to achieve the greatest positive impact in the society in these exceptional circumstances, which will bring us together despite the distance.”

Specialised preachers from IACAD will present religious lectures and seminars online — and in different languages, such as Arabic, English and Urdu.

Religious online lessons will also be held in mosques remotely every day. Then, there will be online competitions and the ‘e-Ramadan bag’.

Dr Omar Al Khatib, executive director of the Islamic Affairs Sector, said the IACAD is working hard to provide the best religious and social information for the holy month — which could be through the newly launched ‘Imsak timings’ in Ramadan 2020. With the new design of ‘Imsak’ timings on IACAD’s website and social media platforms, individuals are able to follow the prayer times in Dubai, as well as fasting hours. All the information will be published every day at 8pm on the website and on social media.