The UAE Fatwa Council has issued an official religious ruling confirming that celebrating the night of the middle of Shaban, locally known as Hag Al Laila (Haq Al Laila), is religiously permissible, while also outlining its spiritual significance and recommended forms of worship.

The ruling was issued as part of the council’s efforts to unify fatwas at the national level, offering clear guidance on both religious observance and the long-standing social customs associated with the night, which falls 15 days before Ramadan.

What is allowed

In its statement, the council affirmed that celebrating Hag Al Laila according to local custom is allowed under Islamic law, provided it does not contradict the principles of Sharia.

“It is permissible to celebrate the night of the middle of Shaban, known to us as Haq Al Laila, according to the custom of the people,” the council said.

“It is also permissible to give gifts on this night with the intention of bringing joy and happiness,  especially to children, relatives and neighbours, to strengthen community ties and family relations.”

The council explained that such customs fall under the legal principle that originally, customs are permissible, particularly when they promote goodwill, affection and social cohesion.

Worship on the night is recommended, not obligatory

The fatwa also highlighted the virtue of the night of mid-Shaban, citing narrations from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his Companions, and respected Islamic scholars.

According to the council, it is recommended (mustahabb), but not obligatory, to observe the night through acts of worship such as:

• Voluntary prayers
• Remembrance (dhikr)
• Supplication (dua)
• Recitation of the Holy Qur’an

Religious principles supporting Hag Al Laila

The UAE Fatwa Council outlined five key principles supporting the permissibility of celebrating Hag Al Laila, including:

• The permissibility of customs in worldly matters
• The principles that are not prohibited by Sharia are allowed
• The importance of spreading joy and strengthening social bonds
• Established narrations on the virtue of the night
• Scholarly recommendations to observe the night with worship

When is Hag Al Laila in 2026?

The night of mid-Shaban is expected to begin on the evening of Monday, February 2, subject to the sighting of the moon.

Across the UAE, families traditionally mark the occasion by children going door-to-door chanting “Atoona Hag Al Laila” (Give us sweets for this night), while exchanging treats and celebrating community togetherness ahead of Ramadan.

UAE celebrations and events

Several venues are set to host Hag Al Laila festivities this year:

• Global Village: Celebrations until February 3
• Expo City Dubai: Family-friendly activities from 4pm to 10pm

A night of joy and reflection

Religious scholars note that the night of mid-Shaban is a time for families to share sweets and smiles, while also turning towards prayer, forgiveness and remembrance in preparation for Ramadan.

Ajman has announced the establishment of a new Rental Dispute Resolution Centre, aimed at streamlining landlord-tenant disputes and strengthening stability in the emirate’s real estate sector.

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has issued Law No. (1) of 2026, formally creating the centre and replacing the existing rental disputes committee.

Clearer, Faster Rental Dispute Resolution

The new law introduces transparent and clearly defined mechanisms for reviewing and adjudicating rental disputes, with the objective of:

• Protecting the rights of landlords and tenants
• Enhancing confidence in Ajman’s property market
• Supporting a stable and attractive investment environment

Jurisdiction and Scope

The specialised centre will have authority over all rental-related disputes between landlords and tenants, including:

• Residential and commercial properties
• Properties located within free zones

Cases will be handled using procedures aligned with recognised legal and judicial standards, ensuring fairness and consistency.

Boosting Market Stability

Officials said the new centre is designed to:

• Speed up dispute resolution
• Reduce litigation timelines
• Ensure swift and effective justice

The move is expected to contribute to social and economic stability in Ajman’s leasing and real estate sector, while reinforcing investor confidence.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has rolled out a new digital service called the Emirati Work Bundle in the Private Sector, designed to simplify everything from job hunting to pension registration, all in one streamlined journey.

Launched in collaboration with several local and federal government entities, the initiative is part of the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme and aims to make life easier for Emirati citizens entering the private sector, as well as for employers hiring them.

The new bundle connects multiple government platforms behind the scenes, allowing data to be shared automatically between MoHRE and key authorities, including ICP, GPSSA, Nafis, health entities, pension funds, and Digital Dubai. The result? Fewer forms, fewer steps, and faster approvals.

From the moment an Emirati registers on the Nafis platform and starts looking for a job, the system follows them through their hiring process, employment registration, and enrolment in pension and social security schemes, without the usual paperwork overload.

Officials say the goal is to save time, cut red tape, and improve the overall experience for both jobseekers and private-sector companies, while strengthening Emiratisation and ensuring Emiratis are properly registered for long-term social protection.

By standardising information requirements and integrating digital systems across government entities, the Emirati Work Bundle aims to deliver faster, smarter services and set a new benchmark for how government services work together in the UAE.