SHARJAH // Tens of orphans, special needs children and senior citizens took part in the traditional festivities of Haq Al Leila on Thursday at Sharjah Maritime Museum.
Haq Al Leila is celebrated about 15 days before the beginning of Ramadan in the month of Shaban.
Emirati Saoud Askar sang with friends the Haq Al Leila song while collecting sweets. “I received so many treats today, and sang along with my friends; it was a very fun day filled with songs and traditional games to welcome Ramadan,” said the 16-year-old, who suffers from cerebral palsy.
Traditionally, Emirati children go door-to-door in their neighbourhoods collecting sweets, nuts and treats. Haq Al Leila also serves as a reminder that the most sacred month of the year is fast approaching and that people need to prepare for the spiritual period.
Mohammed Al Shamsi said he looks forward for the day every year. “Me and my friends love this day. We have a yearly competition to see who gets more sweets, and compete in ‘Al Ring game’,” said the 14-year-old Al Juraina resident.
A first-time participant in Haq Al Leila, Palestinian Rami Wasim said he learnt a lot. “We painted on coffee cups and watched people dancing and singing on the boat, it was very beautiful, and to top it all, I have so much sweets,” said the 15-year-old.
In addition to the children, older Emiratis were enjoying the chance to meet people and relive the traditions of old.
Tariq Abdullah, who lives in Sharjah’s old people’s home, enjoyed the laughter of children and meeting people.
“This traditional day is filled with joy and happiness, children running around collecting traditional sweets and playing with others,” said the 58-year-old.
“This tradition connects us with our roots and it lets us meet new people and share the joy over a cup of coffee and Luqaimat sweet.”
Sheikha Rashid brought her grandson to learn about UAE traditions. “It’s a very old Emirati tradition, where kids can connect with their community and enjoy traditional sweets as they watch and perform Emirati dances,” she said.
“I want my 2-year-old grandson Rashid to be rooted in our customs and traditions from an early age.”
tzriqat@thenational.ae
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
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