Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi City Municipality is organising 10 Ramadan gatherings across the city for the first time during the Holy Month.
The locations include: Khalifa City Square, Mohammed Bin Zayed City Square, Shakhbout City Square, Rabdan Park, Al Shamkhah Square, Al Rahbah Square, Al Falah Area, Al Bahyah Park, Al Bateen Area and Al Mushrif Area.
Through social and recreational activities, culture workshops, competitions and entertainment programmes for children, the gatherings aim to bring joy to the community, the municipality said in a statement.
The initiative aims to upgrade municipal community centres and encourage public participation in the municipality's activities.
Eng. Omar Mohammed Al Hashimi, Director of the Municipal Community Center Project at the Abu Dhabi City Municipality, said that over 150 kiosks are giving support to productive families, and more than 50 food trucks are providing visibility for national and youth-led projects.
These gatherings aim to support small- and medium-sized enterprises that are led by young entrepreneurs and productive families.
The venues are adorned with Ramadan-themed decorations and lighting to reflect the spirit of the holy month.
The Ramadan gatherings are held daily until March 20, between 9 and midnight.
Meanwhile, as Ramadan is in full swing, streets and homes across the emirate are lit up by lanterns, installations and decorations, reflecting the spirit of the Holy Month.
Speaking to Aletihad, Maryam Alhefeiti, a UAE citizen, said: "The most common Ramadan decorations are lanterns and banners. They are often used to decorate homes, streets, and mosques. People also decorate their tables with special dishes and sweets for iftar and suhoor.
"Ramadan is a time for family and friends to come together. People often host iftar and Ramadan celebrations at their homes. They also decorate their homes with lights, candles and flowers to create a festive atmosphere," Alhefeiti added.
Ameera Al Zaabi, another citizen, said: "We decorate the yard, arrange the table with crescent designs and Ramadan decorations, and wear new jalabiyas, especially for Ramadan."
For Noora Al Shamsi, the occasion is a time to celebrate traditional Emirati cuisine.
"Honestly, our table is always full of all kinds of delicious food and drinks, such as tharid, harees, soup, and Vimto. We put new tablecloths, new plates, and everything is new."
"We wear new colourful clothes and decorate the house with Ramadan's special lighting."
As for Sara Ahmadi, the brightly lit house adorned with Ramadan decorations and the fragrance filling the air create a unique atmosphere for the occasion.
Maryam Al Dhanhani, another citizen, said her mother decorates the house at the onset of Ramadan to welcome the Holy Month.
"We wear Ramadan clothes and set the Ramadan table with lanterns and various Emirati dishes."
