Despite the surge in popularity of over-the-top (OTT) platforms during the pandemic, the US market remains robust for major Hollywood productions in terms of both exhibition and viewership. Key theater chains in North America, such as AMC, Regal, Cinemark, Cineplex, and Marcus, are gearing up to fortify their operations as the entertainment industry looks ahead to the summer of 2022 and beyond. Cinemamark, the third-largest cinema chain in the US, has seen its monthly membership program, ‘Movie Club,’ exceed 1 million active members, with an average of over 3000 members per theater. For refere ..read more

Dubai residents can anticipate enjoying yet another extended break, spanning at least five days, for the upcoming Eid Al Adha festivities, expected to commence on Monday, June 17. The Emirates Astronomical Society has disclosed that Arafa Day, a significant component of the Hajj pilgrimage, will be observed on Sunday, June 16, marking the commencement of the celebrations. Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomical Society, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, has affirmed through astronomical calculations that Eid Al Adha is likely to fall on June 17, with Arafa Day preceding it on June 16 ..read more

Eid al-Fitr, often referred to as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is one of the most significant religious celebrations observed by Muslims worldwide. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the history, significance, and various aspects of the celebrations surrounding Eid al-Fitr. History of Eid al-Fitr: The roots of Eid al-Fitr can be traced back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the 7th century CE. The tradition of Eid al-Fitr began after the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina ..read more

Laylat-al-Qadr, also known as Laylat-ul-Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr, holds significant importance in the Islamic Calendar as one of its sacred nights. Falling within the last ten nights of Ramadan, it commemorates the occasion when the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). As per Islamic belief, Laylat-al-Qadr is referred to as the Night of Power and Night of Decree. The exact date of Laylat-al-Qadr is not fixed, as Muslims are instructed to seek it during the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized the significance of these nights, stat ..read more

Ramadan is a sacred month in the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, engaging in prayer, reflection, and acts of charity. The prayer timetable for Ramadan 2024, spanning the entire month, is as follows: Day Weekday Date Imsak Fajr Sunrise Dhuhr Asr Iftar Isha 1 Monday 11/03/2024 5:05 AM 5:15 AM 6:29 AM 12:32 PM 3:54 PM 6:29 PM 7:43 PM 2 Tuesday 12/03/2024 5:04 AM 5:14 AM 6:28 AM 12:31 PM 3:54 PM 6:30 PM 7:43 PM 3 Wednesday 13/03/2024 5:03 AM 5:13 AM 6:27 AM 12:31 PM 3:54 PM 6:30 PM 7:44 PM 4 Thursday 14/03/2 ..read more

Attention UAE residents, mark your calendars because the longest public holiday of the year is fast approaching, with less than a month to go. In April, residents could savor up to nine consecutive days off to commemorate the Islamic festival Eid Al Fitr, following the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. This means both private and public sector employees can relish an extended break without dipping into their 30-day annual leave. Contrary to astronomical calculations, the sighting of the crescent Moon, which signifies the start of a new month in the Islamic Hijri calendar, was confirmed ..read more

It’s a routine task for every UAE resident, typically done every two to three years depending on the type of visa held. While most of us remember the month when our residence visa is due for renewal, the exact date often slips our minds. As the expiration month approaches, many of us scramble to find our passports to check the visa validity. However, carrying our passports with us at all times isn’t always practical. So, what’s the solution? Thankfully, you don’t need your physical passport to check your residence visa validity. All you need is your passport number and its expiry date. This me ..read more

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai has issued guidelines for school timings during Ramadan, restricting instruction time to five hours per day. Shamma Al Mansouri, Director of Permits at KHDA, emphasized that schools must end by 12pm on Fridays. Al Mansouri extended wishes for a blessed holy month, highlighting the virtues of compassion, patience, and perseverance. Ramadan is expected to commence on March 12th, with variations due to local moon sightings. Schools will collaborate with parents to finalize timings, ensuring compliance with KHDA’s directives. Some schoo ..read more

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