标签： Africa

The Emirate of Sharjah has officially declared its Eid Al Fitr holiday schedule for public sector employees, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. According to the Sharjah Human Resources Department, government staff will enjoy a four-day break commencing Thursday, March 19, 2026, through Sunday, March 22, with regular operations resuming on Monday, March 23.

This early announcement enables both governmental departments and employees to strategically organize their schedules around one of the most significant religious observances in the Islamic calendar. The timing provides adequate preparation window for residents and businesses to coordinate festivities and family gatherings.

Concurrently, federal authorities including the UAE Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation have synchronized holiday declarations across sectors. Federal government employees will mirror Sharjah’s four-day holiday timeframe, while private sector workers are scheduled to receive a slightly shorter break from March 19 to March 21.

Notably, authorities have specified a contingency provision: should Ramadan extend to its full 30-day duration, private sector employees will receive an additional day off, extending their holiday through Sunday, March 22. This coordinated approach ensures nationwide synchronization while accommodating religious uncertainties inherent in the lunar calendar-based observance.

A newly constructed mosque in rural Uganda has opened its doors during Ramadan, serving as a lasting tribute to Dr. Sulaymaan Al Majid, a British-based physician who tragically died in a Ras Al Khaimah aircraft crash in December 2024. The inaugural prayers at Masjid Sulaymaan Al Majid in Rutooma Village mark the completion of the first of two mosques built through a remarkable charitable campaign honoring the 26-year-old doctor’s legacy.

Dr. Al Majid, a clinical fellow at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, had been visiting family in the UAE when the sightseeing flight he was on crashed off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, claiming both his life and that of the pilot. In the aftermath of the tragedy, friends, colleagues, and UK mosque congregants launched a fundraising initiative through humanitarian organization One Nation that surpassed all expectations, generating sufficient donations to construct two mosques rather than the initially planned one.

The newly opened facility in Kamwenge District represents a transformative addition to the local community, where residents previously faced significant challenges accessing places of worship due to considerable travel distances, poor road conditions, and limited transportation options. The mosque accommodates over 120 worshippers and features solar-powered lighting, dedicated Quran storage, and rainwater harvesting systems—addressing both spiritual and practical needs of the community.

According to Majid Mukarram, Dr. Al Majid’s father, the second mosque project is nearing completion and expected to open later during Ramadan. The family expressed profound emotional significance in witnessing the first prayers conducted at the facility, viewing it as an ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah) that continues to honor their son’s memory while serving practical community needs.

Muhammad Al Majid, the deceased doctor’s younger brother and a medical student at the University of Central Lancashire, noted that the mosque embodies the values his brother championed throughout his life—community service, spiritual commitment, and practical compassion. Dr. Al Majid, who was born and raised in the UAE, had been widely respected within UK medical circles for his advocacy work improving recognition and wellbeing for NHS trainees through his role with the British Medical Association.

The project stands as testament to the global reach of charitable giving during Ramadan, demonstrating how tragedy can transform into enduring community benefit across international boundaries.

In a shocking criminal incident, Suriyanarayanan (73), father of renowned Tamil and Malayalam actress Vishnupriya, was discovered deceased under suspicious circumstances at his Kodaikanal bungalow. The grim discovery was made on February 21st in the popular hill station located in Tamil Nadu, southern India.

According to investigative reports from The New Indian Express and The Times of India, the elderly victim was found restrained to a chair with his hands tied and face extensively covered with adhesive tape. The body was positioned beside the property’s swimming pool, indicating potential foul play in what authorities are treating as a homicide investigation.

Police reconstruction suggests approximately five individuals, posing as tourists, checked into the unauthorized rental accommodation on February 21st. The perpetrators subsequently overpowered two employees on the premises before targeting Suriyanarayanan. After restraining the victim, the suspects allegedly ransacked the property, making off with gold jewelry, valuable items, and critical evidence including the surveillance system’s hard disk drive.

One employee managed to escape restraints and alerted authorities, but by the time assistance arrived, Suriyanarayanan had already succumbed. Law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive manhunt across the region, examining nearby CCTV footage and pursuing multiple investigative angles including possible revenge motives.

The entertainment industry has been shaken by this tragedy, particularly affecting actress Vishnupriya who gained fame through her acclaimed performance in the 2005 romantic comedy ‘Maayavi’ alongside stars Suriya and Jyothika. Her portrayal of a differently-abled character earned widespread recognition throughout Tamil Nadu. The family has not yet issued any official statement regarding the devastating incident.

Ras Al Khaimah Police have issued a stern warning to motorists following comprehensive analysis of traffic accident data, revealing the most prevalent violations contributing to road incidents. The Traffic and Patrols Department’s ongoing safety monitoring has identified four primary offenses that consistently endanger public safety.

Foremost among these violations is the failure of light vehicle drivers to maintain proper lane discipline, particularly at signalized intersections. This infraction carries a financial penalty of Dh400. Equally concerning is the widespread neglect of safe following distances between vehicles, which similarly results in a Dh400 fine accompanied by four black points on the driver’s record.

The third significant violation involves distracted driving, characterized by any activity that diverts attention from the road. This dangerous behavior warrants the most severe penalty at Dh800 plus four black points. Additionally, failure to utilize seatbelts constitutes the fourth major offense, punishable by a Dh400 fine and four black points.

Police authorities have reinforced their zero-tolerance stance toward traffic violations, emphasizing that such infractions not only incur financial penalties but may also lead to vehicle impoundment and the accumulation of black points. The department remains committed to achieving the highest standards of traffic security through strict enforcement and public awareness initiatives, urging all road users to adhere meticulously to traffic regulations and signage for collective safety.