Connect with us

News

UAE Fatwa Council rules Hag Al Laila celebrations permissible, highlights spiritual virtues of mid-Shaban night

Published

on

Spread the love

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.









With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Health

Health alert: UAE issues warning after drug authority withdraws supplements over safety concerns

Published

on

Spread the love

Residents across the UAE have been urged to immediately stop using several health supplements and a laboratory product after the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) ordered their withdrawal from the market.

In four urgent circulars, the regulator announced the recall and ban of three food supplements and one medical product, citing safety concerns including unapproved ingredients, contamination risks and quality defects. The authority warned consumers not to purchase the named products, particularly through online sales platforms.

Businesses have also been instructed not to advertise, distribute, store or sell the affected items in pharmacies, medical warehouses, health shops or via e-commerce channels in the UAE.

Products that residents are advised to avoid

In its first alert, the EDE warned against an unauthorised supplement marketed as “Super Immune+”, stating that it contains unapproved ingredients, including dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), molybdenum amino acid chelate, and boron citrate. The product was neither registered nor legally imported into the UAE.

A second circular ordered the withdrawal of WoundVite”, sold under the brand ZEN NUTRIENTS, after authorities identified the presence of a novel food ingredient not authorised under European regulations. The supplement had not undergone regulatory assessment in the UAE.

In a third notice, the EDE referenced a safety update issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), coordinating with disease control authorities, regarding the recall of certain batches of “Rosabella Moringa Capsule” due to potential Salmonella contamination.

Separately, specific batches of the laboratory product “Isotonac-4” were recalled following a reported quality defect. The manufacturer and supplier have been instructed to implement an immediate withdrawal.

Public advisory

The EDE urged residents to verify the registration status of supplements and medical products before purchase and to avoid buying unverified health products from unofficial online sellers.

Consumers who have purchased any of the named items are advised to discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if they experience any adverse effects.

Authorities continue to monitor the market to ensure consumer safety and prevent the circulation of unauthorised health products.

Continue Reading

News

Etihad Rail unveils passenger train details, family cabins and faster Abu Dhabi–Dubai travel

Published

on

Spread the love

Etihad Rail has revealed new details of its highly anticipated passenger services launching in 2026, introducing exclusive family seating, strong onboard Wi-Fi for business travellers, and significantly reduced journey times across the UAE.

Azza AlSuwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility, said the seating design will allow families to spend quality time together,a feature aligned with 2026 being the UAE’s Year of the Family.

Faster travel

The passenger rail network will connect 11 cities and regions, stretching from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east, passing through:

  • Ruwais
  • Al Mirfa
  • Abu Dhabi
  • Dubai
  • Sharjah
  • Al Dhaid
  • Fujairah

Travellers can expect major time savings, including:

  • 57 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Dubai
  • 105 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah

A separate high-speed rail service is also planned, connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes, with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h.

Designed for families and daily commuters

Etihad Rail says the new passenger experience is built around comfort, reliability and flexibility.

Key features include:

  • Dedicated family seating areas
  • Strong Wi-Fi connectivity for remote work and business travel
  • Luggage storage for weekend trips and staycations
  • A consistent and reliable timetable for daily commuters

“For commuters, reliability is everything. Etihad Rail will offer a journey people can plan around, one that gives them useful and usable time back,” AlSuwaidi said.

The project is expected to reshape commuting patterns, boost tourism and business travel, and support the country’s long-term economic vision.

Continue Reading

News

Dubai e-scooter fine: Dh200 penalty for riding on jogging and sports tracks, warns police

Published

on

Spread the love

E-scooter riders in Dubai face a Dh200 fine for using jogging and sports tracks, according to a renewed safety warning from Dubai Police. Authorities stressed that sports and pedestrian-only tracks are strictly prohibited for motorised micromobility devices.

The reminder forms part of ongoing road safety campaigns aimed at reducing accidents and ensuring safe shared spaces across the emirate.

Fines for riding on sports and pedestrian tracks

Under Dubai’s e-scooter regulations, riding on jogging paths or pedestrian walkways carries a Dh200 penalty. Officials also warned that reckless riding or operating in unauthorised areas may result in confiscation of the e-scooter.

Dubai Police urged riders to follow lane discipline and remain within approved tracks.

Where e-scooters are allowed

Dubai has expanded its micromobility infrastructure, with dedicated cycling and e-scooter lanes across areas such as:

  • Hatta
  • Dubai Marina
  • Jumeirah

Riders must use designated paths marked for e-scooters or shared cycling lanes only.

E-scooter rules you must know

Regulations set by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in coordination with Dubai Police, include:

  • Minimum age of 16 years
  • Mandatory helmet
  • Valid UAE driving licence or free RTA e-scooter permit
  • Strict use of approved tracks only

Authorities reiterated that the fines aim to promote responsible riding and strengthen road safety across Dubai.

Residents can report violations through the Dubai Police app’s Police Eye feature or by calling 901.

Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2025 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

https://headline.ae/