标签： Asia

As the sun dips below the mountainous horizons of the United Arab Emirates, a growing spiritual movement transforms traditional Ramadan observances. Instead of gathering around lavish dining tables, residents increasingly embark on iftar hikes—communal treks that culminate in breaking the fast amid nature’s tranquility. This emerging tradition combines physical activity with spiritual reflection, creating unique Ramadan experiences far from urban distractions.

Organized hiking groups across the Emirates report significant participation during the holy month, with carefully structured programs accommodating different fitness levels and spiritual preferences. UAE Adventures Team, founded by Mohammed Al Kaabi, has developed formal iftar hiking initiatives over five years, evolving from casual gatherings into well-organized events prioritizing both safety and religious observance.

“We offer multiple options because fasting experiences vary,” Al Kaabi explained. Some groups hike after evening prayers, while others undertake lighter afternoon treaks to break their fasts modestly on mountain trails before descending for full meals. The most popular time proves to be after taraweeh prayers, when trails fill with energetic participants.

Outdoorzy Adventures founder Alaa Masood emphasizes accessibility in their Ramadan programming. “We select locations manageable for all skill levels, like Fossil Rock in Mleiha with its panoramic views,” Masood noted. Their iftar hikes incorporate safety measures including group size limitations and paced walking to prevent fatigue among fasting participants.

For Grasp the Adventure founder Yousuf Elabbasy, these mountain iftars provide meaningful disconnection from modern stressors. “Hiking removes us from visual and noise pollution, work pressures, and social demands,” Elabbasy reflected. His groups typically pause at scenic overlooks or canyon pools precisely at sunset, sharing dates, nuts, and simple foods in spontaneous acts of generosity that capture Ramadan’s essence.

Post-iftar, many groups continue hiking or gather for suhoor barbecues under the stars. Participants consistently report feeling spiritually renewed and community-connected through these experiences. While Ramadan hiking participation numbers may be slightly lower than other seasons, organizers note attendees demonstrate deeper commitment to the spiritual dimensions of these outdoor rituals.

This trend reflects a broader cultural shift toward finding Ramadan’s core values—generosity, reflection, and togetherness—through simplified experiences that contrast with increasingly commercialized urban celebrations. The mountain iftar movement continues gaining momentum as UAE residents seek authentic spiritual connections during Islam’s holiest month.

India faces a mounting crisis regarding the protection of its vast domestic workforce, with millions remaining vulnerable due to inadequate legal safeguards. The Indian Supreme Court has recently expressed concern over the plight of these workers, predominantly women, and called upon state governments to establish appropriate mechanisms for their inclusion under minimum wage legislation.

Domestic workers’ unions have been granted permission by the court to submit detailed representations highlighting the severe exploitation faced by this marginalized workforce. These representations argue that excluding household workers from the Minimum Wages Act constitutes a violation of fundamental rights against forced labor and the right to life.

Official statistics significantly underestimate the scale of the issue, reporting approximately 5 million domestic workers with over 3 million being women. However, International Labour Organisation estimates suggest the actual number could reach 80 million nationwide. Most concerning is that a substantial portion of these workers are young female migrants from rural areas seeking employment in urban centers, often facing arbitrary hiring and firing practices without documentation.

Despite judicial intervention, progress remains limited with only 14 of India’s states having enacted minimum wage laws for domestic workers. The absence of a unified platform for these workers to advocate for their basic rights further compounds the problem. Organizations like the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) work extensively to raise awareness about workers’ rights but face resistance from employers opposed to regulatory measures.

The judicial response has included criticism of trade unions, with Chief Justice Surya Kant noting that union activities have historically impacted industrial growth negatively. While acknowledging worker exploitation, the justice emphasized the importance of individual rights awareness and skill development rather than relying solely on union intervention.

Proposed solutions include formal recognition of domestic work as a regular employment category with standardized working hours, and mandatory registration systems for both workers and employers to ensure accountability and legal protection for all parties involved.